Residents unite against crime

House breaking and robbery, assault, hijackings, and murders are common occurrences in these areas at present. According to Emmarentia residents association chairperson Costa Vranas, they have collaborated with the Greenside residents association and have launched an initiative called Community Active Protection (CAP).

The non-profit initiative aims to bring the two communities together to unite against crime. “In our areas, we feel that the present security providers are not performing as they should and we are trying to up their game,” said Vranas.

Project coordinator Azhar Cassim said residents had to find a solution following dissatisfaction with their security service providers. “A series of public meetings were called and residents that attended voted for the CAP solution. We are a body that will assist the community in managing security service providers.”

An area commander will be allocated to handle all the security affairs of that specific area, where he/she will monitor security vehicle patrol and residents’ complaints. Donations from residents and local businesses in support of the initiative will contribute towards implementing and maintaining the project, and association members will have full access to view all income and expenses.

CAP aims to eventually include Roosevelt Park, an area which is included in the monitoring at present.