Domestic Watch meeting: Important tips to know

Domestic workers and other interested parties met at Sasol Swartgoud for their monthly Domestic Watch meeting, organised by Michelle Pelser of Mondeor SAPS Sector 2 Crime Forum and assisted by Joy Boswell.

Guest speaker René Coltham, from Fidelity ADT Security, spoke about many important tips, among them being aware of your surroundings. “When you arrive at your place of work or your home, have your keys ready to gain a quick entry. Don’t hang about outside the gate.

“Try and keep your journey to and from work different. Don’t walk the same route every day and if possible don’t walk alone. If you have to, carry a whistle.

“If you are working in your employer’s home and someone gains entry, don’t fight back if they have any kind of weapon (knife, gun, etc) and keep your eyes looking down and your arms by your side.

“If you carry a panic button, press it for three seconds and if the situation could turn violent and you are able to, press the panic button over and over again.

“Practice self-defence moves at home so you are always prepared in case of an attack.

“It’s very important to defend yourself if you are able. Be aggressive and hit your assailant where it will hurt most.

“The eyes, throat, solar plexis, and if the assailant is a man use your knee to hit him in the lower groin area,” said Coltham.

Crime scene

Coltham added, “If you find yourself at the scene of a crime (at the home you are working at, a shopping mall, taxi rank) and you are there first, make the crime area secure and don’t let anyone disturb any evidence.

Don’t be tempted to clean up the crime scene. Leave it as is for the police to see and investigate.

Don’t take photos and put them on social media. This could hamper the trial if the criminal is arrested.

Firstly press the panic button for the security company, call SAPS on 10111 and if needed an ambulance on 10177.

If you only have your cellphone call 112. If someone is injured and they have a medical aid, call Netcare on 082 911 or ER24 on 084 124.

“If there are children in the house, take them to a place of safety. If a person has been stabbed or shot, push down on the wound with a cloth to stop blood flow.

“If there are any witnesses at the crime scene try and get their names and phone numbers. Ask them not to talk to other witnesses on the scene and stay on the scene until SAPS arrives.”

Don’t be a hero

“Remember never to fight back if your assailant is armed. If you find yourself caught up in gunfire, drop to the ground and talk yourself through it.

“Keep telling yourself you are going to be fine. In the unfortunate case you are stabbed or shot, try and stop the bleeding by pressing on the wound until emergency services have arrived,” concluded Coltham.

The next Domestic Watch meeting will take place at Sasol Swartgoud on March 10 at 10am. For more information please call Pelser on 084 292 9144.