Crimebusters patrol Ikageng, Potchefstroom
A group of about 20 people, known as the Amaperiperi, has been working hard to take back the streets of Ikageng from criminals.
Amaperiperi, one of several safety initiatives by residents in the JB Marks municipal area, has been working closely with the Ikageng Community Policing Forum and the police to tackle theft, robbery, burglaries and drunk driving in the area. Recently it has been helping the police to enforce the government’s lockdown restrictions.
The chairperson of Amaperiperi, Portial Iqbal (36), is leading the group of men and women in their twenties and thirties. “The safety of my community is my top priority. I break down when I see criminal activities destroying our neighbourhood,” said Iqbal.
Amaperiperi was established a few years ago after the body of a nine-year-old girl from Potchefstroom was found in nearby Promosa. The tragedy mobilised residents of Ikageng to support the patrol group. The name was the idea of Papi Diale, a founder member, to signal to criminals that this group had a sting – just like hot peri when you eat it. Recently it has been helping the police to enforce the government’s lockdown rules and regulations.
Residents believe the crime rate has decreased thanks to Amaperiperi’s efforts. A third-year student at North-West University Masego Qotso (21) said: “Amaperiperi has contributed to my safety as a student and as a resident of Ikageng. I have seen people complaining about property crime and the Amaperiperi would be able to retrieve the stolen possessions.”
A police officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said community groups work with the police to inform officers about crime hot spots so that arrests could follow. “You break the law… and we take you to the cells where you belong,” he said.
Whereas Amaperiperi is focusing on Ikageng, another initiative is promoting the safety of residents in Potchefstroom. Civil society group Afriforum has set up 22 neighbourhood watch branches in North West since 2016 and several students are part of the group.
“When I return to campus I would love to be part of AfriForum neighbourhood watch again,” says Andre Joubert (25), a student at North-West University. He is involved because he believes there are a lot of criminal activities happening in plain sight.
Patrolling for AfriForum means to drive at night and during the day and to watch out for criminal activities. To be part of the group you need to subscribe to the code of conduct and be trained before using a weapon and how to approach a dangerous situation.
Jan de la Hunt, neighbourhood watch chairman in Potchefstroom, says the members of the watch are acting as the eyes and ears for the police. “ We have about 180 active members who take part in ensuring safety for the community. We have contact with other organisations, even in Ikageng, with whom we exchange information on a regular basis … in order to protect all around North West,” he said.
Although students are involved in these safety initiatives, they are also targeted by criminals. Christiaan Haefele, operational manager of Mooirivier Beskermingsdienste, which works with the community safety initiatives such as Afriforum’s neighbourhood watch, explains that students are not necessarily a bigger target than other residents, but “certain behavior, by students” creates more opportunities for crime.
These crimes often occur when students are enjoying a night out and become vulnerable because they may be intoxicated and carry around valuable possessions. – Crime desk