Although the watchmen have been accused of brutal and unlawful behaviour when taking a tough stance against suspects, the 25-strong group enjoys the full support of the law-abiding community and the Police.

According to an executive member of the Narraville Neighbourhood Watch (NNW) committee, Charles Neidel, the community last year expressed concern about increasing crime in the area, especially housebreaking, drug trafficking and violence.

A meeting between the community and Erongo's Police Chief, Deputy Commissioner Festus Shilongo, resulted in the establishment of the NNW.

Neidel says they work in close co-operation with the Police and their work includes patrolling, body searches, crime detection and reporting suspects.

Drug dens, clubs and shebeens are monitored on a regular basis.

Neidel says official statistics show that there have been no housebreakings in Narraville since last September , with the exception of one attempted burglary where the suspect was arrested.

Drug trafficking and other unsocial behaviour such as drinking or urinating in public have also decreased.

"We are not just policing, but assisting where we can," he told The Namibian.

"We'll help an intoxicated person get home safely when we can, or when we catch children involved with illegal activity, we'll inform the parents with the assistance of the Police.

This is to increase awareness and respect for one another in the community."

Other courtesy services are clean-up operations and keeping a watchful eye at sport events.

Asked about allegations that the NNW has assaulted people and searched them without warrants, Neidel said the strongest opposition came from "criminal and rebellious elements" whose opportunities for criminal behaviour had been limited under the watchful eye of the neighbourhood watch.

He encouraged those who felt they had been violated by one of NNW's members to call the toll-free number 081 374 0707 or the Namibian Police.

"The NNW is a common-law association accredited and fully acknowledged as a body of private citizens aiming to curb crime through private citizens' rights to arrest, search and report crimes," Neidel explained.

"This is stipulated in the Crime Prevention Act under Section 42, which allows arrest by a private person without a warrant."

Neidel says the group is not armed.

They only carry flashlights and two-way radios, and can be identified by badges, branded vehicles and caps.

The success of the Narraville Neighbourhood Watch has inspired other neighbourhoods in the harbour town, and other towns, to follow their example.

Walvis Bay's Meersig area now has its own neighbourhood watch, and one of its biggest townships, Kuisebmond, is in the process of establishing one.

Swakopmund and Tsumeb have also approached the NNW to consult them regarding the establishment of similar initiatives.

Deputy Commissioner Shilongo was not available for comment.

He is currently on leave.

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