Lower South Coast community receives essential firearms training
Knowledge is power and knowledge of correct firearm handling can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Precisely because of this, AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches on the Lower South Coast offered essential practical training in firearms handling to community members here last week. This training forms part of AfriForum’s neighbourhood watch training programme which aims to empower community members and improve their competence in regard to conduct during a crime situation.
“We are grateful that members participated in this programme to empower themselves. We have already presented several lectures on, among other things, the correct handling of and conduct at crime scenes, radio procedures and legal aspects regarding safety, and plan to soon offer further safety training,” explains Cliff Holme, AfriForum’s Neighbourhood Watch Leader for the Lower South Coast.
AfriForum’s Lower South Coast branch recently expanded its neighbourhood watch to the Elysium community and plans to expand even further this year.
“Due to the alarmingly high crime levels in KwaZulu-Natal, safety and security training form an important focus of our branch,” says Theuns Boshoff, Chairperson of the Lower South Coast branch. He therefore invites members of the community to become part of AfriForum’s safety structures in this area and therefore also benefit from the safety training offered here.
According to Eugene van Aswegen, AfriForum’s Provincial Coordinator for KwaZulu-Natal, AfriForum offers level 1 to 3 safety courses that range from basic training for patrollers to more advanced training for proto team members. “It is essential that community members empower themselves in a world where crime runs rampant,” says Van Aswegen.
The latest crime statistics for the period from July to September 2023, released by the South African Police Service (SAPD) in November last year, show that 1 603 murders were committed in KwaZulu-Natal during this period. This amounts to approximately 18 murders per day. “The province has a bloody crime reputation and the community therefore has an urgent responsibility to look after their own safety in a responsible manner and within the framework of the law,” concludes Van Aswegen.
Become part of AfriForum’s community safety structures on the Lower South Coast today. Contact Holme for more information on 082 896 3029.
