Renewed hope and respect for the police
'It actually opened our eyes to the gaps that were existing in our security'
MATSATSI MAMETSA writes:
As South Africans, we are always quick to complain about how lazy members of the police service are.
I want to say a big thank you to Kempton Park police.
Hardly an hour after I had gone to bed on the night of July 19, I heard sounds downstairs. I jumped out of bed, woke up my husband and ran down the stairs.
On my way down I heard people shouting, “It is the police, open up”.
It was clear the people were shouting from inside our house and I became worried, what if it were not the police.
By now they were aware of my presence in the house as I had shouted back at them on my way down. After a long pause behind the door, I opened to find what appeared to be an army of police that were ready for action.
To cut a long story short, the paramedics that had come to the house next door noticed that my car door was open and alerted the police. The police responded promptly, accessed my yard and did a thorough check.
When they found no one, they took all the necessary measures to gain access to the house to ensure that the “intruders” were not inside. They did another search around the yard with us to put our mind at ease.
This for me was a blessing in disguise as it actually opened our eyes to the gaps that were existing in our security. The next day I was on an assignment to beef up the security.
I just want to say a very big thank you, firstly to the paramedics that actually took notice that my car door was open and called the police. Secondly, to all the policemen (I believe the metro police were there as well) that responded to the call.
I have renewed hope and respect for the men in uniform, may they do the same for others as well.
