Women of Clare Estate unite to reclaim their community
In Clare Estate, a group of determined women has united with an important mission – to reclaim their streets and eradicate crime.
The initiative, known as Know Your Neighbour, began on Morewood Road with a motivated cohort of 44 women, and has since expanded to include 20 men, fortifying their community watch efforts.
Leading the charge is Shwaitha Naidoo, a 33-year-old mother of two, who felt an overwhelming sense of urgency to act when crime levels escalated in her neighbourhood.
“The group was started by Rakesh Gobardhan, a mechanic and former resident of Morewood, who was fed up with theft on our road. He held a meeting to discuss the issues, and that was when the group was formed. Women were among the first to help,” Naidoo shared.
Each evening, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, a dedicated team of 20 women patrols their community, supported by male volunteers on staggered shifts.
Armed with pepper spray, bats, and tasers for protection, the women walk the streets, keeping a vigilant eye on suspicious activities and vehicles entering their road.
“We carry one cellphone, and if we require help, we will call the male patrollers.”
Despite the serious nature of their mission, she said they have yet to encounter a criminal incident during their patrols.
As the women take to the streets, the changes in their community are undeniable.
“We have been living here for years and were tired of living in constant fear. The theft was so bad that sometimes areas in Clare Estate had up to three robberies a day. Now, three months after we started, we have zero crime on our road.”
Beyond crime prevention, these evening strolls offer more than safety.
“The patrols give us something to look forward to every evening. We get to socialise after being trapped in our homes and being stressed throughout the day. It is a good way to exercise while protecting the community.”
Naidoo’s husband looked after their sons during her patrols.
She said there was an 80-year-old woman who sat by a bonfire, supporting their work.
“We want to get the message out that we as a community are visible and we are here to protect each other.”