Tokai Neighbourhood Watch plans for stronger safety future

Tokai Neighbourhood Crime Watch (TNCW) is encouraging residents to join a new monthly contribution model to help secure the suburb’s long-term safety plans.

The volunteer-run organisation, which is funded entirely by residents, will move from once-off annual contributions to monthly debit orders from 2026.

Chairperson Tracy Bassingthwaighte says the change will help the watch plan ahead and ensure that essential safety operations can continue without interruption.

“The shift allows us to maintain key services like camera monitoring and maintenance, control-room contributions, patroller training and equipment, and community signage,” she said.

“It also gives us the stability we need to plan properly for the future.”

One of the projects the watch is preparing for is the launch of a dedicated Special Response Team (SRT).

This proven model is already working successfully in the Constantia, Bergvliet, Kreupelbosch, and Meadowridge areas.

The team would respond rapidly to incidents in Tokai, strengthening local safety efforts and providing extra support to SAPS and private security.

Ms Bassingthwaighte said that while Tokai currently enjoys relatively low crime levels, the area has seen some concerning incidents recently.

“We’ve had a vehicle-theft syndicate targeting Tokai and, more recently,  an armed robbery near the largest children's park in the area. These are exactly the kinds of situations where a stronger response capability makes a difference.”

Kirstenhof police spokesperson Sergeant Deidre Solomon confirmed the recent incidents, saying three Toyota Fortuners were reported stolen, two were in Tokai, and a third was a Tokai resident's vehicle stolen from Silvermine Dam. 

“All cases are being investigated by the vehicle identification section, and no arrests have been made yet,” she said.

She also confirmed an armed robbery in Birchwood Lane, where a man was held at gunpoint and robbed of his cellphone. The suspects fled in a Citi Golf. “If anyone has information regarding either of these incidents, they are asked to contact the Kirstenhof detective branch,” she said.

With incidents like these fresh in residents’ minds, Ms Bassingthwaighte added that the benefits of an SRT would extend beyond households.

“Local businesses, shopping areas and gated communities will also benefit. Their staff, customers and residents all share the same streets and public spaces, so a stronger safety network helps everyone.”

The watch has set a fundraising target of R85 000 in monthly contributions, which will cover existing operational costs and allow for a phase-one launch of the SRT.

“It sounds like a big number,” she said, “but it could be achieved if 600 households each contributed R150 a month - the cost of a pizza or an extra bottle of wine. If every household in Tokai contributed, it would work out to just R50 per home per month.”

She noted that only about 25% to 40% of households currently contribute, but that debit order sign-ups have already begun, with some residents pledging between R100 and R800 a month.

“The more consistent our funding, the sooner we can make the SRT a reality. How quickly this happens really depends on the Tokai community,” she said.

Residents who prefer not to sign debit orders can complete an EFT commitment form, available on the TNCW website.

“While debit orders are more predictable for budgeting, the EFT form helps us plan more responsibly, too,” she added.

Ms Bassingthwaighte’s message to the community is simple:

“A stable monthly contribution model allows us to maintain essential operations, build resilience, and plan for the next step in Tokai’s safety journey.”

Debit order and EFT commitment forms can be downloaded at www.tncw.org.za, or residents can contact the watch at info@tncw.org.za for more information.