Given the fact that we have had four robberies in five days within a radius of 500m, I felt it my duty to phone our local police patrol.
I phoned the number, which rang for ages and was then answered by a voice which advised me that the message inbox was full.
I was shocked.
What is the point of having a patrol when you cannot even raise them on their phone? These numbers and the areas to which they apply are published in the Brakpan Herald regularly.
What a waste of time and printing space when the people who are meant to be in the area 24 hours a day for the safety of the residents are not available when needed.
No wonder the burglars are having such a profitable time.
As for the secure booms at the entrances of our area – what can one say?
Editor’s note: Comment was requested from Brakpan police and spokesperson Capt Joep Joubert responded as follows:
“Unfortunately, technology fails us all from time to time, and it could have been that the cellphone reception was poor,” he said.
“In such cases, residents are advised to use alternative numbers, such as the police station (011 744 4940 or 10111.
“The sector patrol vehicle will then be informed via radio control.
“Residents with any complaints against the police are encouraged to come into the station and make a statement.”
