Upper uMhlanga domestics get crime savvy

THE Upper Umhlanga Security Trust’s efforts to improve not only the security but sense of community involvement in the area is still in full swing.

The trust’s holistic approach has made a difference within the community, said Upper Umhlanga Security Trust chairman, Andrew Fraser. In 2016 the Upper Umhlanga area only had 13 reported crime incidents.

After recently completing their cleaning and greening community improvement project at the corner of Egret Lane and Portland Drive the trust has run several safety and security workshops with the domestic workers and gardeners in the area.

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“Our aim is to make all who live and work in the area feel part of the community effort and to feel safe. More often than not when burglars strike, the staff are the ones who are assaulted or tied up,” said Fraser.

The two workshops saw a total of 60 local staff attend. The workshops were run by the trust’s contracted security manager, Kevin Webster as well as patrollers, Lucky Mkhize and Sandile Msebenzi.

“We want to get everyone working together. By improving the aesthetics and educating everyone in the community on safety and security we can make the area safe and welcoming for everyone,” he said.

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Fraser said they have, in the past had, one or two incidents where domestic workers had been attacked by home invaders, however they bravely fought off the criminals.

“It’s what sparked the idea for the workshops,” he said.

Grace Phezulu, who attended one of the workshops said she feels much safer now.

“The speakers at the workshops offered valuable information, like who to call, should we see a suspicious vehicle, or if someone is trying to break into our employer’s home,” she said.

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She said some facts that really stuck with her were to take down number plates and report suspicious vehicles or individuals, and also to collect litter in the area, as these could be markers for would-be criminals.

Another recent project that the trust had adopted was taking the Umhlanga Rocks United Soccer Team under its wing.

“The Umlanga UIP has generously supplied them with a new soccer kit and the team agreed to assist by cleaning the area. We are encouraging the community to assist them on their weekly fitness runs and to help pick up the litter. It is a great way to keep our community clean,” added Fraser.

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