Major operation sweeps through Pinehaven

A mixture of dark blue, camouflage and black uniforms adorned the group of devoted protectors.

January 23, 2017

Bianca Pindral 2 minutes read

Captain Roelie Pansegrouw from the Shedibeng Mounted Police Unit rode his trusty steed, Midnight Velvet, at sunrise to ensure Krugersdorp citizens that they are safe.

It was 0400 hours on 18 January when the blue lights began to approach the assembly point at Silverstar Casino.

A large group of police officers, security guards and Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers gathered in the parking area. Some mounted their horses, others collared their dogs and prepared their weapons, all awaiting the start of a great day. Velcro straps ‘grrreted’ as various groups secured their weapons into place. Bulletproof vests made them look extra buff as it added width to their chests.

Two officers patrolling a dirt road next to the R28 near Silverstar Casino to ensure the area is cleared of illegal immigrants, robbery suspects and homeless men.

The captain in charge yelled, “Attention!”, and without hesitation, the police officers fell into formation. “Join us in this formation,” Captain Slabbert, from the Krugersdorp police said to the remaining security company guards.

A mixture of dark blue, camouflage and black uniforms adorned the group of devoted protectors. Their eyes were fixed forward and not a soul moved a muscle.

The captain gave his orders and asked the group to work together to ensure the safety of the citizens they had sworn to protect.

“We move as one and we work as a team,” Slabbert said.

The sun peeked over the roof of the casino and the captain deployed his troops. In the distance, the sound of an helicopter taking off roared. It was the West Rand Cluster Flying Squad who were deployed and searching the area from above.

The protectors were divided into four groups; Hobby Park, Silverstar, Pinehaven and Paardeplaats Hill were the areas that needed to be cleansed of homeless men, illegal immigrants and possible armed robbery suspects.

The mounted unit of police made its way up the steep hill behind Silverstar Casino. The rugged terrain was hard to navigate, but the police and security guards were tough and to them it seemed like a walk in the park.

Police officers from various police stations in the West Rand Cluster stood in formation in front of Captain Slabbert awaiting instructions. Among them were various security guards dressed in camouflage and black uniforms.

Together they swept the area and arrested two suspected illegal immigrants.

“This operation was not only deployed to make sure the area was cleared of criminals,” said Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale, a spokesperson for the Krugersdorp Police. “It was also utilised as an effort to familiarise the guards and officers with the area.”

“We also worked on our partnerships with the various security companies. The more we work together, the better we work together. We want to thank JC Security, Drift Reaction, Fidelity, SMS Security and all other police departments for joining in this operation.”

JC Security is actively involved with the police to ensure community safety and strong visibility in areas in the West Rand.

“We thank the West Rand Cluster Police for their support throughout these operations,” said Freddy Groenewald, senior executive for JC Security. “We also want to thank the other security companies for their great assistance in this operation,” said Johan Groenewald, their operations director.