- Residents of
Kensington and Factreton gathered at a safety meeting to discuss crime
challenges and propose solutions - Suggestions included establishing a neighbourhood watch, and requesting a mobile police
caravan to rotate between the areas. - Residents stressed called for regular communication and transparency from police.
Discussing crime challenges and listing solutions to safeguard the Kensington and Factreton communities was top on the agenda at a safety meeting held in the area recently.
The meeting was held at the Kensington Civic Centre on Tuesday 17 September and attended by a group of residents who all agreed that they’ve had enough of criminal elements causing havoc in the area.
Proceedings started with a prayer followed by opening remarks by Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor.
Residents then had the opportunity to not only raise concerns but also provide possible solutions to address crime.
Resident Valencia Visser said robberies perpetrated in 12th Avenue are a common occurrence.
Visser called for more police visibility.
“People walk down this road to the train station, then they get robbed. Criminals come from different areas to rob the people.”
Jennifer Frederiks believes establishing a neighbourhood watch will bring some relief.
Cedric Adams said he had lost faith in the police.
“My car battery was stolen a few times. I didn’t bother to report my car battery being stolen because I knew nothing would come of it. When we call the police station, we are told that there are no police vans available, yet police officers are being dropped off and picked up at their homes. Police vehicles are taken out of the area as a result.”
Freda Jacobs called for the police station to organise regular imbizos to keep the residents informed.
A resident, who introduced himself as Maurice, also lamented the lack of communication from the police.
He explained that he lives opposite the 6th Avenue informal settlement and opportunistic criminals wreak havoc in the area, stealing copper gate knobs.
The resident said they need more police transparency. “I’ve had a death at my house, it was quicker for me to drive to the police station and bring them to my house than to stay on the telephone waiting for someone to be available.”
Maurice said while they are not against the installation of CCTV cameras, there needs to be clear guidelines regarding who will monitor the cameras.
He also appealed for safety measures for those offering to monitor the cameras.
Steenberg said while the fight against crime will not be won immediately, putting plans and solutions in place is a step in the right direction.
Some of the recommendations suggested on the night include:
- Organising parental empowerment workshops;
Jameelah Liedeman, Community Policing Forum chair, encouraged residents to report all crimes in the area and said if the crime is not reported the police can’t be held accountable.
