Formidable Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch may not survive 2025

Swakopmund&#039;s Neighbourhood Watch, a community-led crime-fighting organisation that has played a crucial role in keeping the town safe since 2011, faces a crisis that could see it cease operations by the end of the year.The warning came from its chief Andre Van Rensburg during a public meeting on Tuesday night.“I think the biggest challenge for us is finding new members,” Van Rensburg explained. “And I’m afraid to say, if things continue the way they are, we will not have the manpower to continue beyond 2025. Unless a miracle happens, I don’t know how we’re going to get out of this.”The neighbourhood watch was formed in response to a drastic rise in crime, particularly home invasions. Concerned residents banded together to assist law enforcement. Over the years, the organisation has been instrumental in reducing crime, saving lives, making arrests and recovering stolen property. However, membership has dwindled, increasing the burden on those who remain.“In 2012, we had 124 active members in Ocean View [suburb] alone. Today, we have only 90 for all of Swakopmund,” Van Rensburg said. “Back then, volunteers worked a three- to four-hour shift once every 25 days. Now, they must do so every eight days because we simply don’t have enough people. And even then, we’ve had to stop patrolling on Sundays because it became unsustainable.”One of the main reasons for the decline in manpower is volunteer fatigue. Many members have served for years, balancing their commitment with full-time jobs and family responsibilities, eventually leading to burnout. Additionally, recruiting younger volunteers has proven difficult, as many are either uninterested or unable to commit to the demanding nature of the work. The increasing risks associated with patrolling – confronting armed criminals, enduring long hours and facing public pressure – have also discouraged new sign-ups.Unsustainable The strain on active members is severe.“Some nights we sleep for only two hours, or not at all. We chase criminals through the streets, jump over boundary walls and confront suspects carrying weapons,” Van Rensburg said. “And we do this with no more legal authority than an ordinary citizen. We are not police. People expect us to respond because we are the neighbourhood watch, but we have jobs and families too.”The organisation operates entirely on public donations, but financial constraints remain a major issue. A recent membership fee of N$100 per month was introduced to cover expenses.“None of us get reimbursed for fuel, phone calls or vehicle use. Every cent goes towards emergency phones, radio equipment, rent for our control room and maintaining our CCTV network,” Van Rensburg said.A huge part of their strategy depends on CCTV cameras, with over 450 installed throughout the town. However, upgrading the software and hardware would cost around N$200 000.To raise funds, the organisation is turning to initiatives such as pancake sales, donation drives and a planned golf day in May, hoping for support from businesses.Burglaries risingHouse break-ins remain a serious concern.“Seldom does a day pass without a housebreaking somewhere in Swakopmund,” Van Rensburg said. “Criminals are becoming bolder. Some have even broken into homes while we were actively pursuing them.”Crime is compounded by social issues, including an increasing number of homeless individuals and individuals with mental health problems roaming the streets.“We have raised this issue with every department imaginable, but there is no solution in sight,” he said. “Street children are also a growing concern. If left to fend for themselves, many will eventually turn to crime.”Step upCompounding these issues is the ongoing struggle of the Swakopmund police force, which continues to face understaffing and resource shortages.“The police do what they can, but they face their own challenges,” Van Rensburg noted. “There are simply not enough officers, and in many cases, they lack the necessary vehicles to respond quickly. We’ve had instances where we’ve called for assistance, only to be told there’s no available transport.”This lack of police resources puts additional pressure on the neighbourhood watch, as they are often left to handle emergency situations alone.Despite the challenges, Van Rensburg remains committed.“We do this because we believe in it. Because we see the gratitude in people’s eyes when they realise we have kept them safe,” he said. “But without more hands on deck, we won’t be able to keep going. We need the community to step up.”

Formidable Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch may not survive 2025

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Formidable Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch may not survive 2025

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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