In response to the article, “Cleaning up Crime” published in The Crest Magazine of Jul/ Aug 2011, I concur with Liz Clarke in that, as members of the Pinetown community we must pull up our socks in dealing with crime issues.
In this regard, a concerned resident Monet Slabbert and 3 other co-ordinators have revived the Manors Neighbourhood Watch (MNW) to partner with Pinetown SAPS, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and local security companies. Since the beginning of this year, MNW has showed
significant progress in contributing toward the attempt to decrease crime in these residential and public areas.
“Currently one of our greatest crime challenges in Pinetown, is Lahee park. Due to the lack of security and broken fences it has become a haven for criminals and vagrants who use the facility as an escape or entry route. In addition the derelict railway houses along the railway line behind the park attract criminals.
Yes, we have hope that Lahee Park would be brought back to its former glory. Hence, the engagement of the CPF and SAPS. However, we do not expect this to happen overnight. It will take commitment from all the stakeholders. To date, 19 arrests have been made
through the vigilance of MNW since March this year. A real achievement when one considers that 3 of the 4 zones have only been operational for 7 months,” said Slabbert.
Slabbert made an appeal to the Pinetown CPF, Municipal authorities and Safer Cities division, to strengthen the partnership with SAPS in fighting crime in Pinetown.
Hence every attempt is made to encourage residents to participate in CPF meetings every second Thursday of a month at the Pinetown Civic Centre. The CPF has organized a crime awareness roadshow on 10 September, covering Kloof, Wyebank, New Germany, Pinetown CBD, Nazareth and Westmead. We hope for vast improvement in our attempts, contribution and participation on crime reduction ventures.
FANIE NGUBANE
Chairman: Pinetown CPF
P.S. All 5 wards and PR councillors are on board now.