KNYSNA NEWS - The Hornlee-based crime-fighting community group, Crimefighters, recently conducted a follow-up with youths who took part in a Crimefighters awareness and prevention hike.

Typically Crimefighters, spearheaded and led by Denzil Rhode, take youths - aged 13 to 21 - on hikes around Knysna, traversing roughly 55km in three days. 

This is all in the name of raising awareness among the youth of Hornlee and Knysna of the dangers of getting entangled in a life of crime at a young age.

The hike is something special and dear to those who take part and the initiative has proved successful in the past. The hikers have to carry their own tents, food and all sorts of gear needed for the trip. 

They also take part in team-building activities such as role play and self-defence lessons.

Rhode also follows up with the groups that he led, to track their progress and growth.

This time the follow-up took the form of a special morning held at the Training Ship (TS) Knysna, the home of the Knysna Sea Cadets.

Participants were treated to a morning of lessons on how to canoe on the lagoon as well as making various knots. 

Participants in the follow-up exercise at TS Knysna. 

The morning was a hit among participants, with the youngsters thoroughly enjoying their time out at TS Knysna. 

Crimefighters also made a donation to the Knysna Sea Cadets as a show of thanks for taking time to spend the morning with the young children.

Lu-Jean October shares a smile while attempting to master a knot. 

Levin Pasja has a go at a knot.

Denzil Rhode addresses the group before the start of the address at TS Knysna. Photos: Blake Linder

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