The increase in property crime incidences over the past couple of months was one of the major concerns voiced during the recent Community Policing Forum (CPF) meeting. The members of White River CPF and other stakeholders once again gathered at the White River Police Station to discuss the area’s crime situation.
Besides the high number of incidents of housebreaking, burglary at businesses and theft out of motor vehicles, August was considered relatively quiet on the crime front in outlaying areas.
Police tracked down and arrested suspects who employed remote jamming in the area, after which cases of theft out of motor vehicles decreased dramatically.
The chairman, Mr Ryan Winter, once again urged the members and public to submit their complaints regarding police behaviour or other related problems in writing. This can be done by sending an email to whiterivercpf@gmail.com This followed a complaint which was lodged during a previous CPF meeting. Winter emphasised that complaints submitted via email would be addressed and feedback given at the following meeting. He asked that complaints be accompanied by details such as the time, date and place of the incident, the name of the police officer, registration number of the police vehicle and the general circumstances surrounding the incident. This would enable the CPF to conduct a proper investigation into the complaint. Winter was prepared to give feedback to complainants at the meeting but none of them were present.
Regarding the problems with the 10111 number which were discussed previously, an officer of the Flying Squad was present to address the gathering. He told the meeting that the number was redirected to White River and that they served 29 police stations in the Lowveld region. This would account for the high volume of calls the number received and the fact that the phone sometimes just rang for minutes on end. The officer emphasised that they only had a limited number of operators available and that callers should be patient if the call was not regarding a crime in progress.
They also had a limited number of vehicles available to send out to crime scenes and the Flying Squad vehicles were specifically used for crimes in progress and crime-prevention patrol. Areas included Malalane, Barberton, Komatipoort and the N4. The first consideration when someone called regarding a violent crime was the Flying Squad, if no vehicles were available, someone from the nearest police station would be called to assist.
Police representatives told the members that they were also addressing the fact that police officers didn’t know the areas they were deployed to. They work closely with security companies who know the area and get directions from them when needed.
They were assured that when callers registered a complaint, they could get an incident report (IR) number, which would ensure that their complaint was addressed. There is also a system in place which can track whether officers have been deployed and the progress in the case. Complainants are urged to be detailed when phoning 10111. You should give your name, contact details, address, location and a full description of the incident. The officers highlighted the importance of remaining calm, as panicking could result in time being wasted and details being communicated incorrectly.
The prostitutes working on the Sabie Road were also mentioned. Members remarked on the shock motorists get when confronted by these naked women. Winter remarked the difficulty in getting them off the street as prostitution was not considered illegal and police were tied up with legalities. To address this issues, a member of the public would have to lodge a complaint of public indecency against the women at the police station.
Winter noted the good cooperation between the sector managers, SAPS and security companies. He urges the public to report any suspicious activities or vehicles in their area to security companies and police.
