Pretoria West and Laudium police visit local radio station
“We will continue with more visibility, as well as stop-and-searches in and around the areas to ensure that our communities are and feel safe.”
Community members should avoid walking over the mountain area to Atteridgeville or Laudium alone. Instead, they should travel in groups or use public transport.
This was just one of several safety tips Pretoria West and Laudium police shared with listeners during their visit to a local radio station on October 18.
They also discussed so-called “trio crimes” which include hijackings, house and business robberies, and “contact crimes” such as rape, common assault with grievous bodily harm, murder and gender-based violence (GBV).
Laudium police joined the West police station for this follow-up from their interview on the radio last week on October 14.
In attendance were Laudium crime prevention unit and communication team Sgt Simon Chokoe and Sgt Kekana and Pretoria West Saps communication officer, Constable Sibongile Vuma.
Tips on how to avoid falling victim to different kinds of trio crimes were communicated, the most essential of which would be to be aware of your surroundings, rights and responsibilities at all times.
To avoid hijackings residents are discouraged from driving alone late at night, as these are prime targets for hijackers.
Motorists are also encouraged to stay clear of secluded or hotspot areas to decrease the risk of being hijacked.
“Do not carry weapons when attending social gatherings and also do not share a drink with someone you do not know.
“Avoid confrontation when under the influence of alcohol and do not leave your drinks unattended,” said Chokoe.
Residents are also warned not to carry large amounts of cash when going out to reduce the risk of falling victim to a contact crime.
“We encourage community members to be wary of criminals pretending to be police officers and to educate themselves more about gender-based violence, how to identify it and where to report it,” said Kekana.
Residents were also encouraged to break the silence surrounding the discussions around GBV and to not be afraid to contact the police if they or someone that they know is being subjected to it.
The police confirmed that they are going to be more visible in areas, conducting multidisciplinary operations.
“We will continue with more visibility, as well as stop-and-searches in and around the areas to ensure that our communities are and feel safe.
“Together we can create a safer community,” concluded Vuma.
** Article amended
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