Diligence and patience have been rewarded with a rise through the ranks.
From youth volunteer to certified crime fighter, Nicholas Lekgau is an impeccable example of humble service. In 2019, Nicholas joined the youth desk of the Roodepoort Community Policing Forum (CPF) and his efforts have earned him a position among the newly formed Crime Prevention Wardens. Given glowing recommendations from his station, Nicholas was part of the first intake that passed the three-month training course and is now one of 14 wardens assigned to the Roodepoort Police Station.
Since putting himself forward for volunteer service, Nicholas has been involved in a wide range of initiatives, working in tandem with Roodepoort police’s Social Crime Prevention (SCP) unit. As head of the youth desk, he was exposed to community members of all backgrounds and grew to be a vital link between his community and authorities as well as a driver of impactful community activities.
Nicholas claims his initial intentions were to simply be a positive force in his community but while working with SCP, fell in love with the softer approach to law enforcement.
“I like the idea of fighting crime proactively. We can prevent crime by educating the community about how criminal activities happen and how to avoid them. I think that is the best way to fight crime instead of waiting for crime to happen,” he said.
The duties of the wardens include crime prevention, traffic control, and addressing complaints while their authority extends to the power of arrest and the ability to stop and search. Overseen by the Department of Community Safety, the wardens act as an extra layer of authoritative assistance.
I want to thank them for this opportunity they have given to young people, said Nicholas.
Preference was given to unemployed young adults who had a history of volunteer work in community structures.
“Joining these structures prepares you to be what you want to be. When I was at the youth desk, I did programmes in agriculture, sports, crime awareness, and gender-based violence. Volunteering has allowed me to explore other factors that can prevent crime and through my work with the CPF and SCP I am well informed about trends and criminal activity,” said the 33-year-old father of two.
Nicholas stresses that volunteering is a long-term path to self-actualisation. “We need to involve ourselves in any initiatives that are happening in our communities. By involving yourself you learn and experience how things are done. Involving yourself allows you to grow as an individual and to discover your talent because while you are busy volunteering, it will give you direction,” he declared.
Embracing his status as a role model, Nicholas is relishing his fresh responsibility. “I was a young person who started by washing dustbins, doing garden work, and patrolling at night and now young people look up to me and want to follow what I have done. When you finally see light in the tunnel, that is when you see there is hope. There is no longer darkness for young people, we are reaping what we have sowed,” he stated.
There are many rungs on the ladder ahead of Nicholas and he is a man with a long-term vision, aiming to one day occupy a position in management. For now, he is basking in his new position with his customary charm and gratitude. Still pinching himself, he concluded, “I feel like I am sleeping and someone is going to wake me up and tell me to go back. I have grown into the man I am today thanks to the steps I took from being a youth desk member. I am living my dream.”
