Safety training helps protect Northwold domestic workers
The Honeydew Community Policing Forum introduced the training in an effort to reduce crime risks faced by domestic workers while homeowners are away.
Northwold’s domestic workers and gardeners received safety training, aimed at helping them respond to crime while alone on properties during the day.
The training session was held at Roxie Road Park, and saw security companies, the Honeydew SAPS, and Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF) come together to share practical safety tips.
At first there were only four workers in attendance, but as the training session proceeded more workers started to join.
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Frederick Nkuna, a representative from SB Security, stated that workers are usually defenceless while homeowners are at work. “The domestic workers and gardeners are on the property when the owners are at work during the day. We are doing this training for them, so that they know what to do if they encounter any criminal activities in their presence.”
He explained that criminals sometimes victimise gardeners working outside homes. “Sometimes the suspect takes that opportunity of seeing [the gardener] outside. They will force him to open the gate and go with him into the property, before stealing.”
Honeydew CPF public relations officer Michael Steyn said these training sessions happen all over their policing precinct. “Safety of residents and workers in our area is top priority. We try to educate them on what to look out for and how to keep themselves safe while out on the street.”
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Steyn added that domestic workers are easily targeted, as they often walk alone. Most times, they have a cellphone and money in their possession, which is what criminals are after.
During the session, members of the SAPS also shared some helpful tips, in order for workers to protect themselves. These included knowledge about panic buttons, fake guns, and what to do in an event where robbers have successfully entered the property.
Domestic worker Eunika Ngwenya, who attended, said the training session provided them with insightful knowledge.
“I learned a lot. Now I know that, while walking, I must be alert and not fight robbers but prioritise my safety. We are now aware of a lot of things that we were not even aware of.”
The training session forms part of an ongoing initiative and is not limited to one area.
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