Domestic Watch lessons help fight crime in suburbs
BLAIRGOWRIE – Domestic watch lessons help domestic workers and gardeners to keep abreast of crime trends.
A story of a domestic worker who stays in Alexandra Township and works in one of the suburbs in Randburg is one of many who inspired Penny Steyn to continue with her monthly crime prevention lessons.
According to Steyn, this domestic worker overheard two suspects who were discussing a murder they had just committed in the taxi she was travelling in.
She immediately sent an SMS with the taxi’s registration number to the police’s sector vehicle contact details and the suspects were apprehended when police stopped the taxi.
Steyn said it was through domestic watch lessons that domestic workers and gardeners become more aware and vigilant about crime incidents in the suburbs.
“These are the most special people in our communities. They are the first people to be targeted by criminals,” she explained.
She further explained that her lessons inspire them (domestic workers) to become active in the prevention of crime. “Most of the time employers are very busy but if domestic workers know what needs to be done in the unfortunate incident of crime, many incidents can be prevented,” she added.
The founder of Making A Difference (MAD) Domestic Watch explained that domestic workers are not just people but they are special and her lessons help to keep them motivated.
Residents are encouraged to register their domestic workers and influence them to attend these lessons which assist in the fight against crime.
Each person pays R40 per lesson and is given a written lesson teaching them about crime prevention and keeping abreast of crime trends and how to pass on information.
The next lesson is titled In the line of duty and is focussed on the essential steps outlying calling for help from official protocol, how to ensure any form of emergency is managed with swift appropriate action when the call is made.
These meetings are held at Christ Church, 32 Gordon Avenue in Blairgowrie on the second last Friday of each month at 10am except for December.
Details: MAD Domestic Watch, madpenny@absamail.co.za or 011 783 8776.
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