MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In a show of gratitude for their longstanding service and dedication to the Mossel Bay Bo-dorp Neighbourhood Watch, local couple George and Driekie Muller have been handed vouchers by the watch chairman, Wessel Kruger.
Kruger said the Mullers had been instrumental in the workings of the watch since its inception in 2015 by Johndre and Nicola Strauss.
The couple, both in their 70s, spoke to Mossel Bay Advertiser about their time in the watch and their continued support of the group and the community under its watch. They both recently retired from active service but are still members.
George said they attended the very first meeting and that he was part of the first patrol of the neighbourhood watch.
"It was a cold and rainy evening. We were with the police and went with them to a domestic incident that had started in the kitchen and ended on the street," he said.
He added that he was the vice-chairman when the organisation first started.
Driekie said that mostly, she helped fill in forms for duty rosters and looked after the watch's equipment, which she enjoyed doing.
George said he was fond of carrying out the patrols and meeting new people. He said he made many friends in his years on patrol.
"I have enjoyed my interaction with the community the most," he said.
Most of the patrols he did in the area were relatively quiet. The last patrol he went on was just after lockdown, following the Covid-19 pandemic. After that, he and Driekie helped the neighbourhood by looking after the organisation's equipment.
George added that a neighbourhood watch was important within any community
"We must start looking after ourselves," he said.
Kruger echoed this sentiment and said people needed to look out for themselves and for one another.
"People are the eyes and ears of the community and if there is something wrong at a neighbour's house, or somewhere near you, you can call the neighbourhood watch and the police."
He said he and the rest of the neighbourhood watch team valued Driekie and George's contributions and dedication over the years.
"They accepted responsibilities and have volunteered for almost 10 years now. They have shown daily commitment."
Kruger then handed them a voucher each as a token of appreciation.
Should anyone wish to become involved in or find out more about the Bo-dorp Neighbourhood Watch, email admin@bo-dorp.co.za.
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