Inclement weather cannot keep Minister Allen away from patrolling with Neighbourhood Watch 

Although there was inclement weather across the greater Cape Town last night, the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, still conducted a patrol with the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in the Somerset West area. This comes after he also went on patrol in the Greater Elsiesriver area last week Friday.

In Somerset West, where approximately 70 people joined, 5 NHW’s, which consisted of Victoria Park, Lorencia Park, Helderzicht, Figrove and various structures under the Macassar NHW joined the patrol. Also accompanying were CPF members, SAPS, Metro Police, 2 private security firms and Ward Councillors.

The Greater Elsiesriver, had approximately 60 people on patrol, which included members from the Leonsdale, Avonwood, Salbrau, Norwood, Ruyterwacht and Matroosfontein NHW’s, the CPF, SAPS, Metro Police, Member of Parliament, Ms Alexandra Abrahams and Ward Councillors.

To date, Minister Allen has already patrolled in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, Woodstock, Greater Elsiesriver and Somerset West. In total, 17 NHW’s have been part of these patrols. In all patrols, the SAPS and City of Cape Town Metro Police were also present, while in some instances, such as Woodstock and Somerset West, private security firms also joined the patrols. More than 430 brave men and women who are mostly volunteers have been on these safety walks.  

Minister Allen said: “I cannot thank our volunteers from the various community structures enough for their commitment. These men and women are the true heroes of their communities and I applaud them for going the extra mile for and in their communities. It’s pleasing to note how SAPS and other law enforcement agencies are supporting and assisting our volunteers, and how in certain instances the private security sector is also contributing to the fight against crime in this context. There is a definite opportunity to get a lot more participation from the broader private sector, as this talks to how we all, both public and private can play a bigger role in combatting crime.” 

“As I’ve committed to at least 30 neighbourhood watches within my first 100 days, I’m looking forward to patrolling with others across the Western Cape. Thank you to those who have thus far extended invitations to patrol with them. The more we work together, the greater the chance of us removing crime from our areas,” concluded Minister Allen. 

Source: Government of South Africa