MORE than 50 residents have formed a street patrol group to fight rampant crime and unemployment in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth.

Former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Nondumiso Maphazi officially launched the Sector One Patrol last week, saying it was time for the residents of Helenvale to take ownership of their area and not allow gangsters to ruin it.

The purpose of the group, which comprises 53 women and four men, is to keep the streets of Helenvale safe by patrolling near schools during and after hours.

Maphazi said the idea was to ensure there was a patrol on every Helenvale street, as violence was rife in the area.

Sector One Patrol chairman Beulah Gallant said she was serious about bringing about change in the area. “It’s time to get our streets back, to show the people we can make a change and make Helenvale safe again.

“The elderly and little children are abused too often and young people don’t have respect for their elders at all anymore,” Gallant said.

“We want the gangsters to understand we are not intimidated anymore. We have to do something before our people have to die for nothing.

“We are very concerned about our children, who are being robbed by gangsters on their way to school and even during breaks. The patrols at all times will keep our children safe.”

Helenvale ward councillor Pieter Hermans said the new reflective green vests given to the volunteers would be recognisable by all in the area.

“It’s a joyful day for the women in green ... Their vision is to see change in Helenvale and we want it to be an area to be proud of,” Hermans said.