“An injury to one is an injury to all.”
This was the motivation behind a community march, calling for an end to crime in the greater Athlone basin.
The joint venture was arranged and attended by a collective of neighbourhood watch bodies in Bridgetown, Kewtown, Silvertown, Belgravia, Sunnyside and Parktown. The residents were accompanied by Pagad G Force – a community anti-crime collective, and Ward 49 councillor Rashid Adams.
This is a continuation of the marches that started pre-Covid.
Around 100 residents were followed by a 20-vehicle convoy.
The march, which proceeded through Silvertown, Kewtown, and Bridgetown, is the start of a continued effort from the safety volunteers who aim to see a reduction in crime and drugs.
The community is currently being ravaged by criminals, drug houses and merchants.
The increase in crime has seen children and the elderly targeted. Persons on their way to work have also been robbed.
Residents say while perpetrators are often known to the victims, they are too afraid to report or make cases.
Other crimes on the increase are hijackings, with certain cars targeted.
The march was a show of unity, sending a message to the criminals.
The local police were not involved in the march, however, will be included in future.
The hope is to grow the attendance and support of residents to take a stand against crime.
