A patroller from Uitsig discovered on 29 September 2109 that his wallet had been stolen after he received messages from his bank about purchases with his bank card that he had not done. Further investigation at the filling station where the card had been used earlier resulted in the cashier confirming that the suspect who had used the card had just entered the shop.
The suspect was apprehended with the card still in his possession, and AfriForum’s Uitsig neighbourhood watch and VR Security were called to the scene. Another suspect – who were presumably filling up with fuel and were waiting for the other suspect to pay for it with the stolen card – was observed at a vehicle. The neighbourhood watch kept an eye on him while he was apparently busy concealing drugs. The neighbourhood watch confiscated the drugs and summoned the police, after which both suspects were arrested. The police also found R15 000 in cash in the vehicle.
According to Kobus Griesel, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Uitsig neighbourhood watch, this is a resounding success for the neighbourhood watch as well as the community. “Criminals should know that they have no place here in our town and that our community will stand together against crime without hesitation.”
“The fact that community members can relay information directly to the neighbourhood watch allows for quick action. It also creates trust within the community and increases vigilance and defensibility to curb crime in the area. Good cooperation between neighbourhood watch, police and local security firms allows us to support the community in times of need,” says Joseph Renaud, AfriForum’s Head of Safety for the central region.