Joint effort needed to make streets safe

Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay seems to only increase, and for residents the fear of becoming a victim has become a daily occurrence. It is therefore vital to look at how communities can be empowered to make their streets safer because, as we all know, it takes far more than a few policemen arresting robbers or drug-dealers to beat this scourge.

But, while we are on this thorny subject, let’s also talk about how all arms of government need to play their part.

These issues were all part of a strong message given by Mount Road policing precinct deputy cluster commander Andre Louw on Tuesday night at the latest Herald/ NMU Community Dialogue.

Louw was one of many concerned citizens addressing the City Hall event, held in conjunction with the University’s Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (Canrad), to shine a spotlight on crime and security in the city.

And, as he so clearly stated, policemen and women make up just one side of what must be a multi-faceted fight against crime. After all, the social ills of poverty and a lack of basic services can’t all be laid at the police’s door. Neither can the apathy of individual citizens.

Visible policing on the street is indeed one essential, but there is more. Community activists need not be party-political and they do not have to cost a fortune. The Herald is aware of groups which do sterling work not only in affluent suburbs but also in townships – the Siyakhathala Community Forum in New Brighton for example comes to mind – and there is more than one in the northern areas.

The important starting point is that there are individuals who are willing to step out of their front door and step up to the plate.

They are unlikely to want to do this, however, unless they believe the authorities tasked with looking after street lighting, secure housing and safety and security are also on their side. As we know, conventional policing alone will not be enough.