Orange Farm Residents Take Crime Prevention into Their Own Hands

In a bid to curb the high crime rate in their community, over 400 residents of Orange Farm, a township near Johannesburg, have joined a crime prevention initiative. The Orange Farm Patrollers, who work closely with the Community Police Forum (CPF), conduct regular patrols on donated bicycles during the day and on foot at night with a police escort. Their efforts have been lauded by community members, who appreciate their contribution to making the streets safer.

Orange Farm has struggled with rising crime since its establishment in the late 1980s. The area has experienced rapid growth and urbanization, resulting in one of the highest violent crime rates in Gauteng. According to the latest SAPS statistics, the Orange Farm police station had the third-highest number of murders in the province in the first three months of 2025, with 54 reported rapes, a significant increase from the previous year.

The patrollers have made notable seizures, including an illegal firearm, knives, and drugs such as crystal meth and mandrax. Their work is crucial, given the limited police resources in the area. With only one police station serving thousands of households, the community recognizes the need for collective action. “The police alone can’t fight crime here; they need the community,” says Andries Macheli, chairperson of the Orange Farm CPF.

The main drivers of crime in the area are believed to be high unemployment, the proliferation of illegal taverns, and growing gang violence. The patrollers’ efforts are supported by organizations such as RADA (Rape Alcohol Drug Abuse), which provides them with security gear, food parcels, and skills workshops. The initiative’s success has inspired other communities across South Africa to adopt similar approaches.

The patrollers, many of whom are unemployed, undergo training and screening before joining the initiative. They are also provided with opportunities to acquire new skills, which can help them find employment. As the community continues to work together to address crime, their efforts serve as a model for other areas facing similar challenges. With the support of local organizations and the police, the Orange Farm Patrollers are making a positive impact in their community, one patrol at a time.