A neighbourhood watch is an organised group of civilians devoted to crime prevention within a community.
“With the increase in crime community safety has become a civil duty,” explained Afriforum Benoni chairperson Archie Mouyis.
“The government is unable to fight crime alone and community organisations and security companies play a crucial role in safeguarding the streets of our communities.
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“One of AfriForum’s focus areas is the safety of our communities.
“For this reason, AfriForum establishes neighbourhood watches on a national level to assist the SAPS, safety structures and the local community within the framework of the law,” continues Mouyis.
“Currently AfriForum has more than 140 neighbourhood watches nationally.
“The function of the neighbourhood watch is to offer support to the local SAPS and any other institution that work towards the common goal of stopping the criminal onslaught in our country.
“AfriForum’s focus in this regard is to be the eyes and ears of the SAPS. Patrollers can assist SAPS in the execution of arrests in the immediate vicinity as well as other instances where the SAPS require assistance.
“AfriForum and the SAPS have an excellent working relationship in most parts of South Africa and the above-mentioned cooperation is reflected in declining crime statistics in most of these areas,” said Archie Mouyis
“When assistance is rendered to the SAPS on request, AfriForum members will do so under the command of the SAPS and they will all act within the framework of the law.
“If patrols by the community are done in a structured and frequent manner it is extremely effective in deterring crime.
“Community members should join a neighbourhood watch and become part of the solution to fight crime, simply worrying about the crime in your area is not helping.
“Whether you are a patroller, or simply function as the eyes and ears of your immediate surrounding – being a member counts, you will meet new people and you feel like you are giving back to the community.
“We welcome people to get involved in neighbourhood watches and any person over the age of 18 can join.
“You will be required to sign the code of conduct and the training register when training has been provided.
“The more people we can get involved the more visibility we have out there to combat crime.
“For more information about neighbourhood watches send an email to afriforum.benoni@gmail.com,” concluded Archie Mouyis, chairperson, Afriforum Benoni.
