The recent increase of criminal activity in Louis Trichardt has forced two local organisations to fast track their action plans to combat this spate of crime as a matter of urgency.

Last Thursday, the Soutpansberg Town Watch made their decision public to join hands with the local AfriForum branch.  

Welcoming the decision made by the town watch’s executive committee, the chairman of the local AfriForum branch, Mr Wally Schultz, said the town watch would henceforth be backed by AfriForum’s vast infrastructure and legal expertise. “It just makes sense, as AfriForum’s greatest strength is in fact the establishment of effective AfriForum neighbourhood watches across the length and breadth of South Africa over the past few years. They are all thriving and saving lives and property … we offer communities a full range of services that are making a significant difference in reported crimes and arrests,” added Schultz.

The unanimous decision by the town watch was aided by a presentation of AfriForum’s Head of Security, Mr Ian Cameron. “We know this is the right thing to do as AfriForum has established a working model that has a proven track record in other communities. The evidence of AfriForum’s effectiveness is there for all to see,” said the town watch’s chairperson, Mr Anton Peyper.

The joint venture’s name had yet to be announced this week, just as a consultation meeting with the local police service had yet to be organised. Schultz confirmed that the new name would include the name AfriForum.

Schultz also added that AfriForum’s head office will be sharing all their knowledge and experience with the new local security body. Both he and Peyper will soon be travelling to Pretoria to finalise plans for the training of town watch members and to arrange a series of first-aid courses for members of the public.