The Ocean View and Masiphumelele neighbourhood watches have each received R100 000 worth of gear.

The equipment was paid for from councillors’ ward budgets and includes radios, body cams, safety jackets, torches, dash cams, danger tapes, cones, and headlamps.

“This equipment is very important, especially the headlamps, which can be used in areas lacking adequate lighting and during power outages,” said Ocean View Community Police Forum chairman Mansoer Ismail at the Ocean View handover on Wednesday May 1. “The body cams not only document the watch's activities but also protect members from false accusations.”

Mr Ismail said some of the patrollers would get bicycles soon.

Ocean View’s ward councillor, Simon Liell-Cock said: “These patrollers give their time to keep the community safe. They are the backbone of every neighbourhood, deserving of support and encouragement.”

Enhanced radio communication between the watches, SAPS and City Law Enforcement would greatly benefit crime-fighting efforts, he said.

At the handover for the Masiphumelele watch, on Thursday May 16, mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith thanked watches, saying, "These are people who are not just talking about what needs to change but are actually making the change happen. We are partnering with them in as many ways as we can to support them.“

He urged residents to join their neighbourhood watch groups to help lighten the load.

"It's great that people are taking it upon their shoulders to do this work, but it cannot be on the same shoulders of the same people every month. Please join and help be the change you want to see.“

The ward councillor for Masiphumelele, Patricia Francke said: “With the right resources, volunteers can more effectively fulfil their role as the eyes and ears of their neighbourhoods. The impact goes beyond just crime prevention; it fosters a sense of unity and empowerment within the community.”

The new gear includes radios, body cams and safety jackets.

Ocean View Neighbourhood Watch received new equipment on Wednesday May 1.

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