THE community in eSikhaleni’s J2 Section has decided to take matters into its own hands in the fight against crime.
On Sunday a meeting was called, during which the importance of keeping their neighbourhood safe through evening patrols was emphasised.
J2 Community Forum Secretary Njabulo Zuma said, ‘Since we began the patrols in March, incidents of household break-ins, robbery, rapes and other forms of crime have dropped. ‘We therefore appeal to the males in every household to become part of these watches, which are clearly making a difference.’
Even 70-year-old Baba Madondo still goes out at night to ensure the criminals don’t terrorise the community.
The community voiced their dissatisfaction with the police, saying the eSikhaleni SAPS have lost the war against crime.
One community member said when criminals were caught, the community should resist the urge to take the law into their own hands and call in the police.
He warned against politicizing the forum.
Community Forum Chairperson Philani Mthembu requested the community to be professional in their dealings with the public during patrols.
‘When we approach people we must show we care about them, that their safety is guaranteed.
‘When being shot at by the tsotsis, we must report such cases to the police, otherwise they might run to the police and open cases against us,’ Mthembu said.
All members of the community voiced their satisfaction about a remarkable drop in the rate of crime in the area since patrols began.
