Burger feast for a closer community

The Sandton Guardians recently hosted the Sandton police and security companies for a burger feast at the ZSS Security headquarters in Linbro Park.

Luewellyn Pillay of the Sandton Guardians said the aim of the feast was to network the Guardians, security companies, emergency services and law enforcement for greater cohesion in the fight against crime.

“The Guardians are involved from street-level in surveillance, intelligence-gathering, patrolling, reporting and service delivery issues pertaining to safety and security.”

Pillay said the team is made up of stay-at-home parents, pensioners, employed homeowners and business owners who have decided to be part of the solution towards a crime-free society. “The Guardians have categorised themselves into first responders, patrollers, first aiders, traffic and fire marshalls,” he said.

Brigadier Egen Moodley, station commander at the Sandton Police Station took time out from his vacation to address the Guardians and share his vision for a safer Sandton. He was accompanied by his leadership team.

Pillay said the Brigadier’s vision is that communities and police work closely together and that the Guardians are a force multiplier for security and law enforcement.

Around 40 people attended the feast. “We catered for 60 people, so we fed the guards and reaction officers of ZSS, Duma and Ukuthemba, as well as the kids from Hughes Haven.”

In addition, Linda Reeder, Fidelity ADT’s community development manager, presented 30 batons to the Guardians. “This is highly appreciated as the Guardians fund themselves. ADT has shown the way for the businesses and corporates in Sandton to get involved and resource the fight against crime. A crime-free Sandton is good for business too.”

Reeder stopped by together with a few reaction officers to support the get-together. “These volunteers are doing an amazing job by assisting the community by patrolling their suburbs and reporting suspicious vehicles and behaviour to the relevant authorities. They assist at crime scenes and accidents, they even have a team that heads up any fire emergencies and medical emergencies,” said Reeder.

She said she is yet to come across such a strong, dedicated group. “They are making a difference in crime which can be seen in our weekly crime stats for Kelvin and Buccleuch.”

Did you attend the burger feast? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page