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Community Safety

03 June 2025 Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

For immediate release
03 June 2025

On Friday, 30 May 2025, stakeholders including the South African Police Service, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality, Eden FM Radio, attended and participated in the Designing a Greener Future event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, George.

Stakeholder representatives and learners during the “Designing a Greener Future” event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu.

With the theme “Using Creativity to Teach Crime Prevention,” stakeholder representatives shared their insights on illegal dumping and littering, highlighting the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment. More importantly, the link between illegal dumping, littering, and crime was also emphasised.

Starting off the event, was the Waste Management Team of George Municipality explaining the purpose of the event as well as educating all present regarding waste management and how to become a responsible resident in favour of a clean environment.

Further into the programme, an interactive awareness session with all learners regarding the signs of abuse and how to prevent becoming a victim of abuse, was conducted. Learners participated in the discussions that were presented by Advocate Marilyn Olifant-Scheepers.

In his address at the event, GRDM’s MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, stated that “illegal dumping and littering doesn’t just harm the environment – it brings down the quality of life, creates health hazards, and often attracts more serious crimes. When areas are neglected or full of waste, it can create a “broken window” effect, where disorder invites further illegal activity,” he said.

Learners from various schools in George showcasing their creative talents wearing designs made from recycling material. 

When referring to the youth, Hoogbaard emphasised: “When young people are educated about caring for their communities – whether by picking up litter, recycling, reporting dumping or creating clean, green spaces, it creates pride, responsibility, and unity. These are key ingredients in preventing crime. They become part of something bigger,” he emphasised. “This sense of ownership and pride can steer youth away from crime because it replaces chaos with purpose,” Hoogbaard added. He encouraged all stakeholders present to invest in education and awareness, not just to protect the environment, but to protect the future of the youth. “Together, through small steps, we can build safer, cleaner, and stronger communities,” he concluded.

During his keynote address at the event, Garden Route District Commissioner, Major-General Phumzile Cetyana, said: “We are heading into a direction of becoming a clean town. Stating that “crime prevention and cleanliness goes together,’ he said: “Crime thrives in an environment that is not clean”. He added that “by making our places orderly, we are preventing crime”.

Learners from various schools and the Market Theatre drama group during their stage performances shared educational messages through poetry, song, dance and drama.

He further encouraged stakeholders, more specific learners, to never give up on a better world and concluded: “I take inspiration in knowing that our future lies in your hands. To the stakeholders, teachers and the community, he said: The creativity is inspiring, but let us all allow our children to be creative and to be part of this new world”.

Many enthusiastic learners showcased fashion designs made from recycled material, and the event furthermore featured vibrant performances in poetry, song, dance, and drama by learners from various schools in George, as well as the Drama Group from the George Market Theatre.

The winners of the Fashion design competition with the judges and organisers of the event.

The programme concluded with the prize-giving ceremony – and a deeper understanding of how illegal dumping and littering is linked to crime, leaving attendees with meaningful lessons to take forward.

Feature image: Contestants of the Recycling Fashion Design Competition soon after the announcement of the winners.

ENDS

13 May 2025 Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

13 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters were visited by learners from the Holy Cross Primary School in George on Wednesday, 9 May 2025. The event, described as an enjoyable experience where both learners and teachers were made aware and educate on very important basic fire safety dos and don’ts.

Firefighters enjoyed educating and entertaining the youngsters, who showed a keen interest in the field of firefighting. Presentations were made about essential fire safety elements around the home, at school, as well as what to do when spotting a fire elsewhere. In a fun-filled and interactive way, learners were also taught the relevant emergency contact numbers of the emergency services.

“The learners enjoyed interacting with real firefighters and trying on the protective gear,” said Elana Basson-Coetzer, Platoon Commander.

“The ‘little ones certainly enjoyed their visit at the GRDM fire station.”

The young learners enjoyed their time with the firefighters.

The most exciting part of the visit to the fire station was when water was sprayed from the high-pressure hose, allowing the children to experience how flames are extinguished. They were also fascinated seeing how foam is generated, which is used to remove oxygen from certain fire types.

The visit was facilitator by Elana Basson-Coetzer and learner firefighter Corne Fourie. Both indicated that they equally enjoyed empowering the youth of Garden Route,  and the leaders of tomorrow.

Please contact Devonia Cupido, Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, at Devonia@gardenroute.gov.za if you would like our firefighters to visit your location.

-END-

08 November 2024 Media Release: Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

For immediate release
8 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Civilian Secretariat of Police Service and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (PoCS), on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, hosted a Community Safety Workshop at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre.

The event also attracted representatives from the Department of Education, Ratepayers Associations, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing community safety in the district, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The workshop served to align stakeholders on existing safety plans for the Garden Route district and laid the groundwork for the Community Safety Summit that was held at the Town Hall of Mossel Bay.

Key topics included the concept and structure of a Community Safety Forum, stakeholder support for the forum, the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 (ICVPS), and the role of local government in supporting and implementing this strategy.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, in his address, emphasised the shared objective of reducing crime in the region. Citing a recent tragedy in George, he noted that crimes not only harm individuals but also impact tourism and economic growth. “These crimes don’t just take lives; they also undermine our region’s attractiveness and potential,” he said. Mayor Stroebel underscored the importance of the Community Safety Forum as a platform where various stakeholders can combine their expertise to ensure a safer region for all. “Our journey toward community safety relies on collaboration between local government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community,” he added. Highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists during the festive season, he called upon stakeholders to work together to reinforce the Garden Route’s reputation as a safe and desirable destination.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard reiterated GRDM’s commitment to supporting local safety forums. “The good work initiated by PoCS is evident in each of our seven municipalities,” he said, commending the active safety forums across the district. He further encouraged stakeholders to inform communities that “safety is everyone’s responsibility,” and assured participants that the workshop would lead to tangible improvements in community safety.

The Community Safety Initiative, led by PoCS, aims to empower municipalities and communities to address safety concerns while preventing duplication of efforts across governmental spheres. Representatives at the workshop repeatedly highlighted the importance of working together to improve safety throughout the Garden Route. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crime and foster safer communities through coordinated efforts across all local municipalities.

The Garden Route district is committed to prioritising local safety issues and will continue to support the establishment of Safety Forums in local municipal areas, to implement their safety plans in partnership with PoCS and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Amid pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, drug abuse, and the rise in gender-based violence, stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive Community Safety Plans. This includes incorporating safety initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators, as well as effective communication to reinforce public safety. The workshop also emphasised the importance of regular safety audits, placing safety as a priority on municipal agendas, enforcing by-laws in collaboration with law enforcement, and ensuring accountability through annual reporting.

To close the day’s discussions, Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the newly appointed Executive Manager of Community Services at GRDM, emphasised that while municipalities and stakeholders may have plans and resources in place, achieving success requires a strong commitment from the municipalities themselves. She added that for these Community Safety initiatives to succeed, all local municipalities and stakeholders need to come together in one room to work toward the shared outcomes.

Through these concerted efforts, the Garden Route District Municipality and its partners aim to create a safer, more cohesive community for residents and visitors alike.

ENDS

11 April 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) leads Community Dialogues to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay and Kannaland

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) leads Community Dialogues to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay and Kannaland

For Immediate Release
11 April 2024

On Tuesday, 4 April 2024, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Mossel Bay Municipality, convened a community dialogue to address the alarming rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mossel Bay. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat GBV in high-risk areas within the Garden Route District, with a similar dialogue that took place on Friday, 5 April 2024 in Kannaland.

The purpose of these dialogues was to engage the community members and other stakeholders to identify contributing factors and assess the impact of GBV on these communities. Furthermore, the dialogues aimed to develop actionable plans or programs to effectively address this pervasive issue.

These two days brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including local councillors, representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Neighbourhood Watches (NHW), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and various sector departments. This collaborative approach ensured that perspectives from different sectors and community groups were considered in developing comprehensive strategies to tackle GBV.

“As local governments and communities, it is essential that we come together to address Gender-Based Violence,” said Nkosiyabo Lose, GRDM’s Project Coordinator. “These dialogues provide a platform for open discussion and collaboration, enabling us to understand the root causes of GBV and collectively develop effective interventions to address it,” Lose concluded.

Building on the success of the Mossel Bay and Kannaland’s discussion, GRDM plans to implement similar sessions in other municipalities within the district. These initiatives are part of the broader GRDM Community Safety Strategy, with support from the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence requires a multi-faceted approach, and community engagement is at the heart of these efforts. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders and communities, GRDM are committed to creating safer and more inclusive environments for all residents of the Garden Route District.

Feature Image Caption: In Kannaland, the community dialogue on Gender-based Violence was well attended.

–End–

16 October 2023 Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

16 October 2023

Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe

To commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will host several community events in appreciation of the province’s EMS men and women who play critical roles every day in bringing quality health care delivery closer to residents.

On the day, residents can interact with EMS personnel in their districts about service improvements or complaints, as well as write messages on ambulances and pledge their support to keep our province’s EMS personnel safe.

The Department is deeply disturbed by reports of EMS personnel being attacked by the very same community members they are serving. A total of 37 incidents have taken place in 2023, leaving 60 EMS personnel traumatised and disrupting essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable.

Media are invited to attend these EMS appreciation events on 17 October. There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews.

District Location Time
Garden Route Multipurpose Community Centre, Thembalethu 08h00
Central Karoo Shoprite Park, Beaufort West 10h00
Overberg Thusong Community Centre, Grabouw 10h00
West Coast Moorreesburg Community Hall 10h00
Cape Winelands Mountain Mall, Worcester 09h00
Southern Division Watergate Mall, Lentegeur 09h00
Eastern Division Macassar, corner of Burg and Hospital Street 11h30
Northern Division Civic Centre, Delft 11h30
Western Division Town Square, Fish Hoek 11h00

Note to Editors:
Media wishing to attend these events can reach out to Megan Davids.

Contact
Media Liaison, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Email: Megan.Davids@westerncape.gov.za
Mobile: 082 041 5203

Issued: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

ENDS

4 July 2023: Media Statement: Condemnation of Crime – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor

Media Statement: Condemnation of Crime – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor

For Immediate Release
4 July 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) condemns all forms of crime and we are deeply troubled by violent murders that continue to take place in our region and beyond. The most recent local murder is that of Ruan Hechter on 2 July at Saasveld in George.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families, friends, and colleagues of everyone who have been murdered.

As the Executive Mayor of GRDM, I strongly denounce such senseless acts and call upon the South African Police Services (SAPS) to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.

When assessing the past six months, we have lost, amongst other areas several George residents due to violent crimes:

  • Zimkhitha Ntshisela was stabbed to death at Nelson Mandela University in George, in June 2023.
  • Juwayne Domingo was murdered in Pacaltsdorp, George, in May 2023.
  • Karen Fleming was killed by her husband in Bodorp, George, in April 2023.
  • Lihle Tshaka was murdered in Zone 9, Thembalethu in March 2023.
  • Welele Mbudede from Thembalethu, George, was murdered in March 2023.

Last week in Bitou, a resident was beheaded in Kwanokuthula. Oudtshoorn also lost Almay Hurling in April 2023 after she was murdered by her boyfriend. At the Dysselsdorp/De Rust road near Rosevalley in Oudtshoorn in March 2023, a 60-year-old man was found murdered in a vehicle by the driver. In 2022, Kirsty James was stabbed 30 times by a close friend at her workplace in Mossel Bay, and Heila Kilian, was murdered on her farm in 2018 near Still Bay.

According to SAPS, between October and December last year 7 555 murders were reported in South Africa. This equates to 82 murders every day and an increase on the same period in the previous year of 74 per day.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUMS ESTABLISHED

Over the past few months, GRDM has taken action by coordinating the establishment of Local Community Safety Forums throughout the district, with the exception of Knysna who are yet to submit a safety plan. These safety forums serve as platforms for municipalities to access funding for effective crime prevention initiatives. The development of these safety plans is essential as they serve as comprehensive guidelines for our towns to proactively combat crime. By prioritising community safety, we aim to create an environment where individuals can flourish and realise their full potential, free from the fear of falling victim to crime.

Stakeholders and Councillors recently attended and participated in the launch of the Community Safety Forum held in Greater Oudtshoorn. Photo: Tania Steffens (Oudtshoorn Municipality).

In addition to our focus on safety plans, GRDM remains dedicated to enhancing the work carried out by neighborhood watches and farm watchers. We have donated surveillance cameras and various resources to active community groups in George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, to bolster their efforts in safeguarding our communities.

GRDM encourages communities to join their respective neighbourhood watches whose details can be accessed by contacting local police stations. Also, members of the public are welcome to contact their local municipalities to join their Local Community Safety Forums.

GRDM stands firm in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and local residents to foster a secure environment for all.

ENDS

12 May 2023 Media Release: Fire Awareness session done at the “Draadkar” Festival in Hoogekraal

Media Fire Awareness session done at the “Draadkar” Festival in Hoogekraal

For immediate release
12 May 2023

Hoogekraal Primary School, together with Outeniqualand Farmwatch, the Hoogekraal Community In Blue, the South African Police Service and the Community Police Forum on, 6 May 2023, held a “Draadkar” Festival near George. The Firefighters from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) presented a Fire Awareness and Education session to the community of Hoogekraal. As part of the session, the team explained and demonstrated the dangers of fires, how to prevent unwanted fires and how to respond to a fire that got ignited.

The activities were welcomed, as the firefighters used practical methods to ensure the community understood the topics that were presented to them.

It is envisaged that this initiative will become an annual event, whereby more community members and primary schools in the surrounding areas will be reached.

ENDS

22 March 2023 Media release:  Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference

Media release:  Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference

For Immediate Release
23 March 2023

On March 18, 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the second Safer School Conference in Plettenberg Bay in collaboration with 7 b-municipalities, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) and several school representatives – including learners and principals. There were also a few community organisations present, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums.

During the Safer School Conference, the hall was packed with delegates.

Safer Schools encompasses a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, with numerous stakeholders working together to promote school safety and reduce the prevalence of violence. A game-changer objective of the event was to link schools with local police stations in order to raise awareness among children about crime and violence and their impact on individuals, families, and education..  Also, to influence, train, and equip learners, families, teachers, and community members with effective partnership knowledge that will encompass a holistic approach to how the school operates in terms of safety.

The interactive program of the day included addresses from a number of remarkable speakers, including GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, who once again inspired learners with his own story of growth.  The other speakers also conveyed their messages, which included, the impact of substance abuse; crime at school; and gang-related issues, to the audience in an incredibly simple, but informative and understandable manner, encouraging participants to form a coalition with government and community stakeholders and reduce crime.

A speech by former prisoner Micheal Dlamini, who served over forty years in prison, was one of the highlights of the conference. Dlamini urged children to listen to their parents as well as elders in the community when they say NO. Also, they choose their friends wisely. “Gangsterism is not easy, and prisons are not good. Stop disrespecting your teachers – STOP bad habits.”

During the second segment of the program, there was much excitement and it was clear that the topics were something school-goers encountered every day. Five break-away groups were created addressing the following topics:

–  Social media impact

–  Impact of substance abuse

–  Gender-based violence

–  Gang-related issues

–  Sexual crimes and teenage pregnancies

All the learners present formed part of the different groups and ‘grow-ups’ were amazed by the knowledge, eagerness and confidence they portrayed.  Also, the curiosity in asking questions and feedback provided, was also a clear sign that the message reached them and they learned a lot through the conference.

During the closing remarks and vote of thanks, it was evident that partnerships are essential for addressing the topics discussed. Also that the success of this type of program depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, from the government to sector departments, to communities and their leaders.  The importance of parenting also came to the fore, and the organisers were tasked with developing a program that would equip parents with the tools they need to succeed. The group discussions also identified other issues that needed to be addressed in future programmes that arose as shortcomings.  In order to ensure the success of the event, the outcomes of the day need to be channeled to the correct people.  In conclusion, the audience was reminded that a lot of knowledge was placed in their hands during the event, but that each person has a choice, and it is up to them to do the right thing with it.

-End-

14 March 2023 Media Release: Establishment of a Community Safety Forum for the Greater Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Establishment of a Community Safety Forum for the Greater Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
14 March 2023

Oudtshoorn Municipality in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality recently hosted the launch of the Community Safety Forum as well as the Municipal Safety Plan Review workshop, where role players and stakeholders formed a partnership to establish a platform for the coordination, integration and implementation of multi-sectoral prevention and community safety initiatives.

The workshop aimed to establish a forum with key role players that are a community-based initiative which aims to reduce crime, build awareness, and develop communities into safer places to live and work. Key role players included the Western Cape Government Department of Community Safety, Department of Social Development and South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as different sectors of Government Departments, Non-Governmental Organisation and many more.

Stakeholders and Councillors recently attended and participated in the launch of the Community Safety Forum held in Greater Oudtshoorn. Photo: Tania Steffens (Oudtshoorn Municipality)

The purpose of the launch of the Community Safety Forum and the Review of the Safety Plan was to clearly outline the Municipality’s role as well as the role of the other stakeholders in relation to Community Safety and to identify key priority areas and strategic actions to undertake.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 states “that a municipality must ensure a safe and healthy environment for its community within its financial capacity” and within the discussions by various speakers, Brigadier Crafford who represented SAPS stated that safety is not the sole responsibility of SAPS, but a collective effort. Community safety is about more than just the level of crime that exists but also about the community’s perceived level of safety. Crafford mentioned a few practical examples of offences that takes place within the community ranging from murders to gender-based violence and challenges that SAPS are dealing with on a day to day basis.

During the two-day session, different sectors offered valuable contributions through presentations on how the different sectors are linked together when it comes to the safety of the community and affirmations and collective commitments to make the established Community Safety Forum a success by identifying strategies for the forum, including functional infrastructure, supporting growing service delivery demand, the increased ability to create value for customers, streamlining processes, the human capacity to deliver and functional leadership team.

Mr Luyanda Fatuse, acting director of Community Services said “We must be mutually committed to serving and supporting the community to sustain a safe living environment that ensures safety, peace and justice through our working in partnerships with all other stakeholders to enhance a safe living and working environment through commitment.

Fatuse added that strategies for community safety include an integrated approach towards combating crime, the responsibility of community safety is not only the responsibility of the police and municipal law enforcement but that of organised businesses, other government institutions and non-governmental organisations. “We must work together with community partners within all wards across the municipal area to effectively modify the model of this collective initiative to best suit our various sector, ward needs and resources”.

Mr Mzwandile Hewu, Chief Director of the Department of Social Development from the Western Cape Government, said during his presentation that the reason that all stakeholders must collaborate is “to deliver quality government services to all South Africans, to have uniform standards in the delivery of services; and to deliver services informed by the respective professional codes of ethics”. Hewu further stated that the vision of the Western Cape Government is to continually improve the lives of the people of South Africa through a transformed public service, which is representative, coherent, transparent, efficient, effective, accountable and responsive to the needs of all.

The attendees of the Community Safety Summit split into groups on the final day to brainstorm on the importance of law enforcement, social cohesion, open spaces and urban design when it comes to community safety.  After the review of the Community Safety Plan, measures are being put in place now to finalize it to make the plan well-drafted and consultative. A well-executed safety plan is crucial as it put mechanisms in place for proactive planning and response.

As a collective, the attendees agreed that there is too much vandalism, too many deaths, and too much substance abuse for these sectors not to take a stand and show the community that they are serious with this task at hand, with the help of the community.

Part of the task of the Community Safety Forum is to make sure that law enforcement, police and traffic are visible.  If people see that traffic is all around town, there would be less driving under the influence, and if police and law enforcement are regularly visible, people would find it very hard to steal and assault. The community therefore would be more cautious and you will find less crime will be committed.

The motto of the Community Safety Forum is Prevention, Protection, Preparedness. And Partnership. The slogan is “Partnering with our Community to prevent the predictable, protect where vulnerable and prepare for the unpredictable with our other partners”.

Issued by Oudtshoorn Municipality

18 November 2022 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality supports Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch

Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality supports Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch

For immediate release
18 November 2022

On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), as the ‘parent holder’ of the Transfer Payment Agreement Grant between the Western Cape Department of Community Safety and local municipalities in the district, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch. Items included torches, batons and two-way radios.

GRDM was approached by the Thembalethu Area Based Team (ABT), formed by various community structures in Thembalethu, who requested assistance due to the high crime rate in the area for the neighbourhood watch. A request for PPE was received later during a Neighbourhood Watch and Community Forum (CPF) Indaba held.

Advocate van Niekerk, the Executive Deputy Mayor of GRDM, handed over the 90 batons, 20 two-way radios, and 20 torches to the Chairperson’s of the different sectors within the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch. The items valued at twenty thousand rand (R20 000). In his remarks, Advocate van Niekerk thanked the members of the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch for their commitment and willingness to stand out and take the lead. “To sit at home and point fingers, to complain, to ‘moan and groan’, is always the easy route, but the most difficult part is to wake-up in the early hours and to go out on patrol and to make sure your neighbourhood is safe – that makes you heroes,” Van Niekerk said.

Representatives from the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, the Deputy Executive Mayor of the GRDM, Advocate Gert Van Niekerk, members of the GRDM Mayoral Committee, the Executive Members of the Thembalethu CPF, the chairpersons and secretaries of the three sectors of Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch and the South African Police Service were in attendance.