MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Advertiser has recently been reporting on various crimes in Mossel Bay on a more frequent basis.
This uptick is what prompted the formation of a community organisation known as the Rescue Mossel Bay Anti-crime Group.
"It was also created to enhance crime prevention and awareness and to collaborate with law enforcement, existing neighbourhood watch groups and CPFs by working together to address local policing challenges," says the interim group chairperson, Virgil Harris.
Psychosocial support
The group is split into two divisions, one focusing on offering psychosocial support and the other on responding to crime.
Recently, the group accompanied a woman to a hospital and later to the KwaNonqaba Police Station following an assault, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend.
Harris told the Advertiser this instance was a critical example of the work the anti-crime group does with the help of members of the psychosocial division, to assist and support victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases that arise in Mossel Bay.
The psychosocial division consists of various independent non-profit organisations/activists.
Victims or their families are referred to these organisations or activists for added support such as trauma counselling, court escorts and/or including them in support groups following the incident.
"This approach then alleviates pressure from Mossel Bay's dedicated Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, whose investigators work tirelessly on GBVF cases.
Long-term goal
For the short term, the group as a whole focuses on areas in Mossel Bay where no neighbourhood watches exist or where added community support is needed.
However, the goal is to eventually cover all areas within Mossel Bay.
"Our goal is to formally establish these individuals, followed by necessary screening and training facilitated by the SAPS. They will then be connected with the Department of Social Development, a key stakeholder providing essential support for various specialised training and awareness interventions," explains Harris.
He confirmed that as of right now, most of the reports the anti-crime group have received have come out of KwaNonqaba. The group receives reports from a temporary WhatsApp group, until a proper channel of communication can be established and implemented.
Highly sensitive cases are handled offline through direct private contact with the affected individuals and can be reported by community members via email.
Offering assistance
The Rescue Mossel Bay Anti-crime Group was not created to do the work of the local police, but rather to assist victims and families of crime.
According to Harris, the first step is to encourage victims of crime to contact the police, who are often already aware of the situation.
Members of the group are regarded as non-official law enforcement first responders. The process is one of passive observation and preservation, not investigation, says Harris. "When called upon, we always advise to immediately call the SAPS and/or dedicated security/emergency channels."
The group's next meeting is yet to be confirmed, but the intent is to host it prior to the school holiday period and the onset of the peak festive season.
Requests to join the group can be made to Ashlene Claassen on 084 885 7659 or Charles Jaxa on 064 400 6761. Complaints, enquiries or confidential reports can be sent via email to rescuembay@gmail.com.
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