Parkview Police and the NCGLE have joined forces in the form of the Pink Panther Park Patrol. The group has also issued guidelines on public cruising and are enviting members of the community to volunteer for duty

he Parkview Police and the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (NCGLE) on May 12 met to discuss ways of curbing crime against gays at cruising areas. The meeting was inresponse to a sudden rise in violent crimes at Emmerentia Dam and Zoo Lake since the beginning of the year.

Captain Loubser, Parkview station commander, expressed concern over the majority of victims at these venues after dark being men. Since January 14 cases of assult and robbery have been reported at these parks. It is believed that many assaults have gone unreported as victims are afraid to approach the police.

"We believe that gay men are being attacked as they are seen as soft targets. Something must be done before someone is killed," Captain Loubser said.

The idea of a gay community watch was raised as a possible solution which led to the forming of the Pink Panthers.

The Parkview police have offrred to assist the community by making available their time, resources and expertise to enable the LGBT community to protect its own.

The NCGLE and the International Gay and Lesbian Association (Ilga), Africa, praised the Parkview police, especially Captain Loubser and Inspector Van der Merwe for their hard work.

Hints for safer sex

If you are interested in joining the Pink Panthers, please contact Victor Lakay at (011) 487 3810 or Erica Le Gassick at 082 566 4904

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