POLOKWANE – Residents in the city have reported being approached by suspicious men in security uniforms requesting access to their homes.
Kobus de Klerk told Review he and his wife were getting ready for the day and when he got out of the shower, he was confronted by two men dressed in security uniforms saying they were from a local security company there to check on an alarm signal they received.
The men gained entry to the house as the doors were not locked.
“I told them I do not even have a security system nor any contact with Chubb Security and that they could be at the wrong house. I walked out with them and as they exited the gate, they started running down the street.”
De Klerk realised something was amiss and contacted the security company to verify if they had sent an armed response team to his house. “I was told there were no signals received in my area and they were unaware of any of their security guards responding to a signal,” he added.
He contacted a local Community Policing Forum (CPF) member who carried out a patrol in the area but the two men were long gone.
Another resident, Anél de Beer, said she was confronted by two men in security uniforms saying they wanted to check her house and make sure she was safe. She told the men she does not belong to any security company and for that reason she would not have had a signal sent from her house. The men then demanded entry to the house and said they would not leave until they were sure that she was safe. When she did not allow them entry to her home, they became aggravated.
“One of the men took hold of the security gate and tried to force it open. He also grabbed my arm and said they were there for my security and that I was acting strange because I did not allow them into the house,” she said. It was only when she threatened to call the police that the men walked away.
According to a representative from Chubb Security, they are investigating the incident.
Polokwane Police Spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, said he was not aware of cases such as these being reported but urged residents to open a case with the police so that they can be investigated.
Security company operations managers from various security companies spoke to Review, saying they were unaware of any complaints in this regard.
Here’s how to identify bona fide security and response officers:
• Every security guard will be wearing a security uniform.
• The uniform will be marked with the security company’s name.
• The name or surname of the guard will also be visible on his uniform.
• Security guards will be carrying an Id badge that will have the details of the company with the details of the guard and his photo on it.
Residents are urged to contact the police or report suspicious people, and to join the CPF to make sure that they have immediate assistance.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
