Residents disgruntled by lacklustre response from police
"Vehicles are prioritised for cases like assault, or robbery where the suspects are still on scene,"
A nasty surprise greeted residents who live on Amiel Road when they got home on Tuesday, June 30; their home had been broken into.
The burglars had gained entry thorough a rear window and stole goods, jewellery and watches to the value of R 15 000. “It looked like they were in quite a hurry, but they even took dirty laundry from the basket,” said the residents.
The burglary occurred during the afternoon and the police were contacted by the family at approximately 4.50pm. “The guy I spoke to on the phone said they were changing shifts, and if he responds now he will only be able to go home after 6,” said the resident. The police arrived at the scene at 6.30pm.
Police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela, said the police followed procedure in cases like this and if the callers were in no immediate danger available vehicles were not sent immediately. “Vehicles are prioritised for cases like assault, or robbery where the suspects are still on scene,” he explained.
In another incident which took place on Sutherland Street on Monday, June 29, an elderly woman mistook the identity of a caller at her gate and let him in. “She thought it was the gardener and didn’t think twice about opening,” said her daughter.
She only realised her mistake when it was too late. When she opened the door she realised it was in fact her disgruntled ex-gardener.
As soon as he gained entry to the premises he attacked her and tried to strangle her. Her cries for help were heard by her neighbour who rushed out to see what was going on. The suspect fled before help could arrive. The incident took place around 2.45pm, and the police were contacted immediately after. No police representatives have attended to the case to date.
“It is unnatural that cases like this should occur. There might have been a communication breakdown here that we need to investigate. We urge residents to come forward and open cases immediately if the police do not respond. “Any complaints regarding the performance of the SAPS can be forwarded to the Station Commander, Bhekani Buthelezi on 034 314 6237,” said Captain Magudulela.
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