AfriForum hosts community patrol initiatives

POLOKWANE – A number of AfriForum Buurtwag Limpopo members with crime fighters from institutions such as private neighbourhood, farm and plot watches, security companies, community policing forums, recovery services, police stations, local businesses, paramedics and traffic officers participated in the patrol, which made it a huge success.

The team got together at the Platinum Park parking area and discussed the operation, which started from 20:00 until midnight.

The aim of the national patrol was to mobilise communities against crime, and the objective is also to improve higher visibility and cooperation between safety role players at a national as well as local level.

The main aim was however to establish visibility.

The reflective jackets, vehicle magnets, vehicle roof lights and torches that lightened the streets, resulted in the goal being properly achieved.

Charl Cronjé, leader of AfriForum Buurtwag Polokwane was in command of the execution of the patrol.

“We host these national patrols four times a year. Our job is to make sure that the community is safe at all times, not only during these operations, but every day.

“Our numbers are always on speed dial and when people are in trouble, they can call us anytime and we will be there as fast as we can to come and assist,” Cronjé said.

AfriForum has already set up more than 100 neighbourhood watches across the country which have led to better security, prevention of crimes and the swift arrest of suspects.

Every neighbourhood watch member is thoroughly trained to familiarise themselves with their rights and responsibilities, as well as in self-protection and radio use.

AfriForum neighbourhood watches:

• Overall members: 8 472

• Neighbourhood watch groups: 163

• Radio network controllers: 121

• Trained drone pilots: 65