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AfriForum’s 178 neighbourhood and farm watch structures undertook their third nationwide mass patrol of the year this past weekend. This coordinated nationwide mass patrol aimed to improve community safety and support law enforcement.

The mass patrols form part of AfriForum’s national security strategy and aim to increase visible patrolling, strengthen cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), community policing forums (CPFs), and other security stakeholders, and test the readiness of AfriForum’s security structures.

During this nationwide operation, several notable successes were achieved, including in Springs, Durbanville, Johannesburg North, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Germiston, Malmesbury, Swellendam, Pretoria, and Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit).

In Springs, various weapons and drugs were confiscated during an operation at abandoned municipal buildings.

AfriForum’s Durbanville neighbourhood watch assisted law enforcement officers during an operation in which an illegal shebeen was shut down and illicit liquor was confiscated.

Meanwhile, AfriForum’s Noord van die Berg neighbourhood watch has participated in operations alongside the SAPS in Erasmia and Olievenhoutbosch. During Friday’s operation, 16 suspects were arrested: seven for drug possession and dealing, three for the illegal sale of alcohol, and six for alleged immigration violations. A further 37 arrests were made during a subsequent Operation Shanela roadblock, including nine for drunk driving and 28 for alleged immigration violations.

The Johannesburg North Neighbourhood Watch, together with the SAPS and the CPF, took action against public drunkenness, drunk driving, the brandishing of a firearm, and the illegal sale of alcohol. Seven individuals were also taken in for fingerprinting, and two knives as well as alcohol were confiscated.

The Walker Drive neighbourhood watch in Gqeberha assisted the SAPS during a roadblock where 41 vehicles were pulled over. One vehicle with false number plates was identified.

In Germiston, neighbourhood watch members responded to an illegal cable connection in Mimosapark. The SAPS provided assistance, and three suspects were arrested. Members also assisted following a break-in at Laerskool Daeraad in Primrose.

AfriForum’s Malmesbury neighbourhood watch assisted with two arrests, including during an operation at a local illegal drinking den. Members also extinguished a veld fire alongside the N7.

In Swellendam, cooperation between the AfriForum neighbourhood watch and the SAPS led to seven arrests. Eight illegal liquor outlets were raided, and nine individuals were stopped and searched. Items seized included 48 crates of beer, other alcohol, approximately 3.9 kg of cannabis, crystal meth, and Mandrax. An unlicensed vehicle – driven by someone who also lacked a valid driver’s licence – was stopped, and a fine of R2,500 was issued.

Various AfriForum structures, including the Nelspruit neighbourhood watch and Herbertsdale farm watch, also used this opportunity to practise contingency plans for farm attacks and other serious security incidents.

“This mass patrol demonstrates what is possible when trained community volunteers and law enforcement officers work together purposefully. Our people do not merely patrol streets to maintain a visible presence – they practice emergency plans, support the police and other stakeholders, and take action within the framework of the law wherever communities need them. From drugs and illegal weapons to drunk driving and cable theft: the weekend’s successes show why organised community safety has become an essential part of the fight against crime,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for Community Safety.

AfriForum’s nationwide mass patrols are also used to demonstrate the organisation’s ability to mobilise safety structures on a large scale, test communication, and strengthen cooperation with other role-players.

AfriForum calls on communities to get involved in organised safety structures and to take joint responsibility for the safety of their neighbourhoods and rural areas.

Issued by AfriForum