UNDAUNTED by intermittent rain, Birdswood residents came out in numbers on Saturday to be part of a ‘Know your Neighbour Well’ anti-crime initiative.
After a lively march through the streets shouting slogans and waving banners, it was time for a public open air meeting where prime spot on the agenda was given to forming ‘street patrol’ structures.
With ‘communication and involvement’ the themes, residents were encouraged by a number of speakers to join the fight against crime under the banner of the Birdswood Community Police Forum.
uThungulu District Deputy Mayor, Thulani Mashaba – a resident of neighbouring Veldenvlei and recent serious crime victim – gave his support to the initiative.
‘From my own experience and that of others, criminals have no fear. It does not matter if you are a cabinet minister or a housewife – they will target you and your goods.
‘Besides the personal effects and trauma of crime, it has broader implications such as influencing investor confidence.
‘The SAPS can do better, but only with our help,’ said Mashaba, who also called on security companies to be active partners.
His words were echoed by City of uMhlathuze Speaker, Mduduzi Gift Mhlongo who said he was ‘comforted that citizens take their civic duties seriously’.
Under the leadership of Birdswood CPF Chairman, Robert Mbuyazi, the streets of the suburb have been divided into zones and coordinators will inform residents as projects unfold, via a whatsapp network.
‘This CPF Sub Forum was born as a result of many incidents and we can only combat crime if we are aware and informed and stand together,’ said Mbuyazi.
