AfriForum’s mass patrol demonstrates value of neighbourhood watches in East Rand
AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches in the East Rand participated with great success in AfriForum’s mass patrol this past weekend. During the operation, neighbourhood watch members patrolled more than 3 000 km, assisted in the arrest of a suspected drunk driver and confiscated drugs while working closely with safety partners.
The nationwide initiative aims to enhance visible community safety, deter criminal activity and create a safer environment for residents, businesses and road users. The success of the East Rand mass patrol is due to dedicated volunteers who willingly contributed their own time, vehicles and resources to serve their communities.
Some of the key outcomes included:
- Alberton and Germiston: 37 participants patrolled more than 2 300 km, spent 180 hours on patrol and successfully conducted an operational simulation with several safety partners.
- Kempton Park: 18 neighbourhood watch members assisted in the arrest of a suspected drunk driver in cooperation with the Sebenza police.
- Springs: The neighbourhood watch deployed seven vehicles, patrolled more than 1 081 km and confiscated drugs that was found in the possession of homeless individuals.
- Brakpan: 21 vehicles were deployed to conduct patrols with the support of various safety partners.
- Boksburg: 40 neighbourhood watch members, together with seven different security services, maintained a strong visible presence in the area.
According to Yvonne Gerber, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the East Rand, the true value of the mass patrol lies not only in the successes achieved on the night, but also in communities’ willingness to take collective responsibility for their own safety.
“AfriForum equips our neighbourhood watches with comprehensive training, standardised operational procedures and ongoing support to ensure that they operate lawfully, professionally and effectively in close cooperation with the South African Police Service and other safety partners. Ultimately, however, it is the dedication of our volunteers that makes the difference. When communities take responsibility together, we build not only safer neighbourhoods, but also stronger communities,” says Gerber.
“The results of the mass patrol demonstrate that well-trained volunteers, combined with strong cooperation between safety partners, can make a tangible contribution to community safety. AfriForum remains committed to expanding and supporting these safety structures.”
