Female Fire-power
Armed with stun guns, pepper spray, air rifles and baseball bats, the women of Lotus Park, Isipingo, led by Zarina Assan, fourth from right, have been making great strides in the fight against crime. They’re claiming back their community, through an all-women community policing forum, possibly the first of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal. “We will no longer live in fear, when they (criminals) see us coming down the street, they had better start running. We mean business,” warned Assan.
THE chairman of the Isipingo community policing forum, Aidan David, is encouraged to see women help their husbands, brothers and neighbours safeguard Isipingo against crime.
“Isipingo has been blessed with great leaders and I am pleased to see a women’s forum has been formed under the guidance of the Lotus Park sub-forum, making it possibly the first women’s forum in the province,” said David.
“The women attend meetings and are involved in daily patrols. Some are even part of the night patrols with the men. This has helped immensely to combat crime.
“They are always watching for criminals during the day and relating information on hijackings and robberies in progress.
“As soon as a message comes through the WhatsApp crime groups, the women who are at home are checking through their windows. They are also brave and no longer silent.”
He added: “Women have given up their sheltered, ‘apron’ lifestyle to become activists in the fight against crime. I am glad they have become so vibrant and efficient in helping the community in this way.
“They have made me a proud chairman and I hope they grow from strength to strength. They will have my full commitment and guidance with their cause.”
David said that each sub-forum had been encouraged to form its own women’s forum in the 12 districts.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane, said: “We can confirm a community policing sub-forum has been established by women in Isipingo. They fall within the main policing forum.
“At provincial level, we appreciate their initiative, and they will assist us in a partnership in the fight against crime in the area.”