Police ‘no-show’ leaves east couple traumatised after break-in

The Garsfontein police have started an internal investigation after a couple was left traumatised following a break-in where police “failed” to show-up despite several calls made.

Damian Sakoor, his wife and one-year-old daughter had to sit for hours with the crime scene after their home was broken into in the early hours of Saturday, 20 March.

Sakoor said they were woken up by a security alarm when robbers gained entry into their home.

“The break-in happened around 03:40 and within 10 minutes we called police for someone to come to the house,” he said.

“Private security (Bull security) responded after the alarm went off .

“The minute the alarm went off I ran to my daughter’s room to fetch her. I was scared for her life. I then ran back to our room which is the safest in the house. I told my wife who is pregnant to sit at the corner of the room while I stood at the door.”

Sakoor said he and his family only came out of the room once the security company got to the house and told them the suspected robbers were gone.

“The robbers were inside the house for about five minutes and while they were there they managed to take four laptops and our TV.”

Sakoor said although the robbers damaged his house while trying to gain entry, the actual damage caused by the incident was the emotional trauma they suffered.

The fact that the police allegedly did not respond to the scene after the crime happened made it worse.

Sakoor provided call records to the Rekord which indicated he called police three times from 04:46; 05:19 and 06:00.

“The first call was made around 03:50 with the assistance of the security officers. The call centre called back and indicated that they could not find the house. I gave them my address and the agent said the vehicle would be dispatched to my house.”

An hour later, Sakoor said he called again to report that no police had arrived for help.

“At 04:46, we called the station and there was no response. We called 10111, it was the only number working then the call centre told us the vehicle was dispatched and would be at my house.

“At 05:19, I called again and the call centre agent told me that on their side it showed that a car had been dispatched and did not understand why it had not arrived. I waited until 06:00 and I called them back and no response.”

After having no luck with officers dispatched to his house, Sakoor said he then decided to drive to the police station for assistance.

“I live just five minutes away from the station. I had not gone there first because I did not want to tamper with the crime scene.”

He said when he arrived at the station he was told the break-in incident was not reported to the day-shift officers.

“I told them that the house was still exactly in the way the people who broke in left it. After I made the police statement I was told that an officer would be sent to the house.”

Sakoor said (on Friday) seven days had passed since the incident and no police ever came to his house.

He said the lack of police visibility made his family feel more vulnerable and exposed to danger.

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“My wife kept on asking what if they come back, we felt exposed to criminals and not protected at all by our police,” he said.

“We can regain material things but not human life. I kept on thinking what if something bad happened and there was a loss of life? Would the police have responded? I feel disappointed because our case was treated as if it was not important and no citizen should feel like they cannot be protected by the police.”

Sakoor said since the robbery happened they have not been able to stay at their home and were in the process of moving into an estate.

“A month ago, my neighbour also experienced a break-in.”

The police station spokesperson Warrant Officer Duane Lightfoot said confirmed that they received the complaint and have started an internal investigation to determine what happened.

“We can confirm the official complaint and that we are investigating the matter. We will be able to answer questions after the results of the investigation.”

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