Westdene residents unite against crime in Koppies
WESTDENE- Westdene Residents, Churches and SAPS Tackle Crime on Melville Koppies.
Westdene residents have united to fight against the money hungry perpetrators that rob them of their valuables.
Over the last month Melville Koppies West has been targeted. Walkers and worshipers have been robbed of their cellphones and money. As a means of eradicating this trend, local residents, members of the Koppie churches, and dog walkers have teamed up with the Brixton South African Police Services (SAPS) and are now regularly patrolling the area.
According to resident David Dickinson, “the latest incidents follow five years during which the Koppies have been crime free.”
Various groups such as dog walkers, birdwatchers, university students, local residents and members of some 20 congregations who worship on assigned church circles use the Koppies.
“This is a unique open space in Johannesburg, a place of beauty, a place of nature, a holy place, and a place where residents can escape the bustle of the city,” said David Hirsh, coordinator of the West Koppies sub-committee.
In 2009 a gang mugged more than 50 people on the Koppies. Cooperation between community members and police saw members of the gang apprehended and given long jail sentences. Drawing on that experience, a joint response effort to keep the Koppies safe has again been mobilised.
The patrols made up of church members and residents is being supported by the Brixton SAPS Station and Captain Allie has accompanied patrols.
Enock Nkomo, who has been worshiping on the Koppies for almost 30 years and who is also a member of the Melville Koppies West Committee, explained that, “This place is for all people who use it responsibly. We are not going to be driven away by tsotsis! We are going to patrol until all the criminals are put in prison.”
Melville Koppies is owned by Johannesburg City Parks and managed by the Melville Koppies Committee chaired by Wendy Carstens.
Hirsh appealed for volunteers to join the patrols and for people to donate to help buy essential equipment such as walky-talkies and torches.
