Operation Crime-free makes South Africa safe

AfriForum coordinated about 3 000 people during the past weekend in the largest joint community crime prevention operation yet in South Africa. Operation Crime-free was executed by 52 AfriForum neighbourhood watches, 29 independent neighbourhood watches, 29 community policing forums, 6 community organisations and 11 security companies. The South African Police Service provided good cooperation at ground level.

“Operation Crime-free is proof that communities have the ability to protect themselves. Visible policing holds the key to success and crime-free areas,” said Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety.

In total, almost 130 structures participated in the operation, which translates to 8 419 man-hours. About 61 115 km were travelled during patrols, and together with the number of man-hours the operation amounted to about R500 000. Thirty-five people were arrested for non-serious offenses.

“No serious crimes were committed in the areas that we patrolled. This shows that the community policing and patrols were successful,” Cameron said.

Cameron explained that similar initiatives would be taken in future to continuously make communities safer. The operation is part of AfriForum’s 10 Days of Self-reliance.  

Issued by Ian Cameron, Head: Community Safety, AfriForum, 5 October 2015