The Alberton Riot Group was founded on July 13 as a response to the looming threat of nationwide rioting and looting entering Alberton and targeting its businesses and stores.
The group consists of security companies including SOG Security, Fox Security, SWS Security and 4th Dimension Security working with the Alberton CPF and AfriForum.
Other security companies tied to businesses are included in their communication group to stay informed of incidents in the area.
According to Du Toit Lambrechts from SOG who initiated the idea, the Alberton Riot Group was founded when they realised that there was a problem in coordination between the different roleplayers when it comes to responding to reported incidents of looting occurring.
It was founded out of the need to be able to communicate with each other and work together should an incident occur and verify information as it is received.
Stronger together
Working together they established plans of action surrounding the possible threat that Alberton could face. This included identifying high-risk areas, which according to Lambrechts includes Heidelberg Road and Old Vereeniging Road.
Plans were put in motion firstly on how the information received would be handled and by extension who would then be responsible for the verifying of the information received. An action plan was put in place what their collective response would be if the situation escalates.
They are still in the process of refining their system and working on including the community in their response. This includes a community Telegram group.
According to Lambrechts, the situation in Alberton is largely kept under control with only minor incidents on the outskirts of the town.
Lambrechts advises residents to try and minimise travelling as much as possible and when they have to travel to plan their route ahead of time. He asks residents to please be the eyes and ears of law enforcement and not to spread rumours.
Residents should always put their own safety first especially when patrolling.
Advice from the Riot Group on keeping yourself safe while travelling:
1. Do route planning ahead of time to check for possible traffic jams that could indicate a problem.
2. When driving look further ahead than normal so that you don’t drive unknowingly into a situation.
3. Be aware of possible exit routes so that you don’t find yourself stuck without anywhere to go.
4. Minimise the number of valuables you travel with.
5. Notify someone of your intended route and if you encounter let someone know of your exact location.
