Since Wednesday, May 1 the streets of the village are one of the safest streets around after the establishment of Dan/Lusaka Neighbourhood Watch, in which locals patrol the streets.
Dan is notoriously known for gangsterism especially since the emergence of ‘Boko Haram’ and Masakhinya groups which had been terrorising the community for the past few years.
The High Commissioner of Police, Bheki Cele also visited the area last year with the hopes of finding a solution to the social evil.
“We formed the neighbourhood watch because our people were no longer safe, due to the existence of Boko Haram and Masakhinya groups.
“These gangs used to go to tarvens, churches and funerals and harass the people and even demanded cellphones and cash.
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“As a community we are saying no to gangs and not in our area,” explained Joe Rikhotso, Chairperson of the Dan/Lusaka Neighbourhood Watch.
These groups have been linked to a number of horrible crimes including murder and rape.
In 2018 thirteen members of the Boko Haram gang were sentenced by the Polokwane High Court to six and ten years imprisonment for violent crimes.
Every weeknight from 20:00, hundreds of males in the area deny themselves sleep for the safety of the whole community and on weekends they start working from 21:00.
“About 840 men from Lusaka Village and about 100 or more men watch over the streets of Dan village,” Rikhotso said.
Rikhotso also acknowledged the good partnership they are having with the Ritavi Police Station and councillors from ward 18 and 20.
Since the beginning of the initiative the team has made about six successful arrests and promise that more are coming.
“We also appeal to the whole community to assist us in finding criminals even if is their loved ones, because the future of Dan depends on it,” he concluded.
