Safety Forum thanks SAPS members

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, November 22, was aimed at raising issues that either party felt needed to be addressed, to the SAPS members, and of course to thank them for the outstanding work that the police have done in recent times.

Not only was the meeting attended by the who’s who of the police, but several local safety organisations were represented at the meeting, namely; Tzaneen Community Policing Forum (CPF), Haenertsburg Neighbourhood Watch, Hoedspruit Farm Watch and Neighbourhood Watch as well as the Ofcolaco Sub CPF.

The meeting addressed several pressing issues, such as the problems posed by civilians who tend to be trigger happy when it comes to spreading news of an event that had just occurred.

“People can not post photos of a crime scene or a suspect, even if it happens to them,” said Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers.

“The moment you send it to anybody, or post it on social media, you have published that image. This can lead to a case against a suspect being dropped because he was identified before pleading in court.”

Maj. Gen Scheepers also provided advice on exactly when an act of violence can be classified as self-defence.

“The moment you approach an individual in your yard, you are considered not to be in fear of the individual, and therefore it is not in self-defence,” Scheepers highlighted.

“Self-defence relies on the grounds that you felt that your life was in danger and therefore acted upon the threat. If you approach, you are not considered in fear for your life.”

Overall, the meeting was a success, with numerous issues raised and resolved, pending questions answered, and several agreements made between the various security organisations represented at the meeting.

Afterwards, the police officials were handed certificates by local security officials, thanking them for the services they have provided to communities of late.