Fairlands SAPS, in collaboration with multiple private security companies, stepped up their efforts to safeguard the community through joint operational initiatives on October 14.
The coordinated campaign aimed to strengthen visibility, enhance public safety, and respond swiftly to incidents across the area.

Read more: Fairland SAPS join forces with security agencies in major safety operation

Sergeant Michael Kgatla of Fairlands SAPS explained that these joint operations would be conducted three times a week, strategically scheduled according to crime patterns to target peak days for criminal activity.
“We usually do it on days like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – the days where crime tends to spike,” he said.

During these operations, officers focus on several key priorities:

• Monitoring vehicles (Conducting searches to check for contraband)
• Identifying suspicious individuals
• Vehicle validity (To check its roadworthy certificate or its vehicle licence)
• Checking for undocumented immigrants.

A growing concern, Kgatla noted, was criminals posing as contractors to gain access to homes.
“They claim a boss sent them to do maintenance, and domestic workers don’t verify the call with their employers. That’s when the criminals take advantage.”

Also read: Brixton SAPS faces rising common robberies

While joint operations are helping to curb criminal activity, challenges remain.
“The biggest challenge is that our community isn’t always vigilant. Criminals watch and wait for opportunities, whether it’s at home, on the road, or in shopping malls. We urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately; we’re there to respond.”

Recent crime trends in the area show a rise in business robberies, home invasions, and theft from motor vehicles. Kgatla urged residents to secure their valuables, especially in cars, to avoid becoming easy targets.
Collaboration between police, private security, and community volunteers remains central to these operations.

“Police cannot be everywhere at all times. By working together with security companies and Community in Blue, we can cover more ground and, if possible, reduce crime to zero.”

Faiz Khan, the operations manager at SCP Security, echoed the importance of this partnership.

“Joint operations leave a big footprint. We’ve seen successes with undocumented immigrants, illegal firearms, and driving under the influence. Working with SAPS allows us to provide additional manpower and support to effectively tackle crime,” he said.

Khan noted that undocumented immigrants were currently a pressing concern and emphasised that employers must ensure workers have the necessary documentation to avoid legal repercussions.

Kgatla and Khan agree that partnerships between SAPS and private security companies are vital to enhancing safety across Fairland and surrounding communities. These joint operations provide a visible, coordinated presence designed to deter criminal activity and reassure residents that their safety is a top priority.

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