This is according to Benoni SAPS acting cluster commander Brig Poobalan Subbiah, who was speaking at the Benoni Community Police Forum (CPF) annual public meeting, at Lakeside Mall, on November 13.
“We have rogue elements within the SAPS, within out law enforcement, amongst ourselves and in the community,” said Subbiah.
“The longer it takes us to get rid of the rogue elements, the longer it will take for us to bring down crime.
“We (the SAPS) are investigating a lot of them (SAPS members).
“Last night (November 12) we received information of where all the housebreakings are coming from in the CBD – they come from within us, supported by six to eight criminal elements from outside the SAPS.”
Subbiah said investigations are underway and the culprits should be behind bars “one of these days”.
The acting cluster commander spoke about policing Elston Avenue, which is infamous for illegal activity, but said the SAPS has only touched the tip of the iceberg.
“If you want to make an impact sometimes the ground work takes a little bit longer,” he said.
“When we make something happen it must make a positive dent on that community and that’s where we are going.”
Subbiah urged the audience to abstain from giving money to people on the street.
“We must stop putting 50c or a R5 in their hands because the more you give the more they will come back, and when they do not get, they are going to target the nearest property or person,” he said.
“We need to spread this message across to our people – there are many places and orphanages that we can give that funding to.”
Support your CPF
Subbiah expressed his gratitude to the Benoni CPF and praised the work they do, calling the organisation a well-oiled machine and the best he has ever worked with.
“I can’t do without you (the CPF),” said Subbiah.
“The first thing we did was start a partnership and we strengthened the partnership because this town belongs to us, and we are going to make it safe.”
