pcn 16 july 2014
DESCRIPTION
The Precinct Community NewsTRANSCRIPT
VOL. 7 ISSUE 13
telling it like it is!WWW.THEPCN.CO.ZA
40 000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED
16 JULY 2014
p.9
p.2
PRECINCT COMMUNITY NEWS
No to Drugs!
Mexican Shootout
STRIKERS - Police Fail the Community
p.4
Social for the Blind
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
The response from the people affected by the strike is angry, furious, and very negative. As one gentleman said, “I have nothing to do with the metal industry, they just came in and beat us, stole things and smashed the place up!”
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Horrific stories came out of how they beat a 7 month pregnant woman on the stomach with a metal rod after she begged them to not hurt her and showed them that she was pregnant. The reports come in with descriptions that sound not like a strike at all, but like an armed robbery in progress, with the strikers entering properties with bags to stuff tools and equipment in while they beat and terrorized the people inside. And it was not limited to businesses – we had a report of a fellow who is known to sell bananas by the road being grabbed, stripped naked, and whipped with sjamboks before being driven to another location and dumped. Photographs of the damage are streaming in despite the fact that
the National Union of Metalworkers saying that it was a lie that the strike was violent, and even Castro Ngobese saying that claiming the strike was violent is promoting violence and is the ‘worse form of propaganda’. Sad to say the strikers were violent indeed and they beat and stole with free abandon. But wait, we asked, where were the police in all of this violence? The people from the factories gave very definitive answers to this…Some said that they never saw the police at all or that there was no more than a single car that did nothing. “We called for help because we were trapped inside our offices,” said one manager, “but all that came was CMS. (cont. p.3)
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Daveyton Police DismissedBY PHILIP ALLEBONE
The police involved in the infamous dragging case in Daveyton have been brought to book, it seems.Last year in February a man was dragged behind a police vehicle as he was being arrested by police, and afterwards died as a result. Now, over a year later, the eight people that were deemed to be involved have been dismissed. Initially there were nine officers that were investigated, but the ninth officer was not deemed to be involved in the incident, and was not present at the time it occurred. There is still the civil case against the eight to be finalized. The Police Commissioner, General Phiyega,
has distanced herself (and the police) from those officers that are involved in criminal activities saying that they bring down the reputation of the police and do not deserve its protection, indicating that all they can expect is the justice of the law, but also that those officers that are working hard, especially those that go above and beyond the call of duty, should be rewarded for their efforts.The police service has been shaken on numerous occasions by the actions of corrupt officers, severely harming the reputation of the police service, and this has seemingly caused much anger amongst the ‘good cops’ who feel that the hard work they do is destroyed by these few.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
On the 12th of July the EMPD Equestrian Unit were called by a man who said that he had been robbed by four men of his cell phone and cash. The four men grabbed the man and took him to a house where they stole his belongings and then decided to kill him. Luckily one of the four persuaded the others not to kill him and he was released a few hours later. The house was near to the offices of the Equestrian Unit and the man reported the
incident. The police responded quickly, arresting the suspects and recovering seven cell phones and cash. The cellphones recovered did not have their sim cards in them, indicating that they were likely stolen property. Investigations are now underway to discover how these items came to be in the possession of the arrested men. The suspects were arrested and taken to Crystal Park Police station on charges of robbery, assault and kidnapping and will appear in Benoni Magistrates Court.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
Swift work lead to the arrest of suspects in a house robbery in Kanna Street, Northmead on the 9th of July.Apparently a member of the public saw the suspects jumping a wall in Kanna Street and chased after them. The suspects fled into Farrarmere and tried to hide in the grounds of Belvedere School. The police and CPF had been alerted, however, and the search was on and the suspects were
found on the roof of the school and quickly detained. Realizing that they had just committed a robbery of some kind, a search began to find out where they suspects had broken in and it was soon discovered that there had been a break-in at a house in Kanna Street. They search also revealed that the television that had been taken was abandoned in the property of the kindergarten nearby. The two suspects were arrested for housebreaking by the police and taken off to Benoni police station.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
It is no shock to anyone that manhole covers are stolen left right and centre in our area – I mean what criminal could resist such a large amount of sellable metal conveniently packaged and ready for the taking. I know that speaking with police on the matter they say that trying to catch the people responsible is hell, since you catch one and another just pops up, but nevertheless it is great to hear that the Crystal Park police are hitting the arrests hard and making sure that while it may be a continuous problem, there will nevertheless be continuous arrests too! While in the Farrarmere area we have not yet caught the people responsible, the Crystal Park area has seen the arrest of four men involved in the theft of the manhole covers on that side. Theft of these covers is a double danger, in fact, since not only must they be replaced, at a cost, the open manholes pose a threat to both pedestrians and vehicles. On
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
An attempted robbery at Mexican Hat in Benoni saw a would-be robber shot dead on the 12th of July.According to Lieutenant Nomsa Sekhele three men entered the business in the morning and began to rob the customers and the business. One customer managed to escape, however, and upon seeing a patrolling police car stopped
it and reported what was happening. The police moved in and when they got there the robbers made a run for it while one of their number pointed a firearm at the police. The police reacted to the threat and shot the man, who died of his wounds on the scene. Though the other robbers escaped some of the cash was recovered as well as the firearm that the deceased robber had had.
2 Tell us your story! Email: [email protected] or Phone 011 578 5674
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DROP-OFFS FOR ENTRIES.Put your entry in an envelope and drop it off at the Precinct Control Room at the Sheridan Centre Farrarmere. Alternatively you can email it to: [email protected]. We also have a new Competition Entry Box at Railway Express (Cafe), Railway Ave, Western Ext., Benoni. Don’t forget to include your name and a contact number. Originals must be produced in order to collect prize. Only one original entry per person entering will be accepted. Entries will close 14 days after publication date.
ALABAMAALASKAARIZONAARKANSASCALIFORNIACOLORADOCONNECTICUTDELAWAREFLORIDA
OHIOOKLAHOMAOREGONPENNSYLVANIARHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINASOUTH DAKOTATENNESSEE
TEXASUTAHVERMONTVIRGINIAWASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIAWISCONSINWYOMING
GEORGIAHAWAIIIDAHOILLINOIS INDIANAIOWAKANSASKENTUCKYLOUISIANA
MAINEMARYLANDMASSACHUSETTSMICHIGANMINNESOTAMISSISSIPPIMISSOURIMONTANA
Find and circle all of the USA States that are hidden in the grid.The remaining letters spell a secret message - an Adlai Stevenson quotation.Note: VIRGINIA and WEST VIRGINIA do not overlap. The same goes for KANSAS
and ARKANSAS.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Contact Number: _________________________________________________________
Answer: ________________________________________________________________
Puzzle: USA STATES Date: 16 JULY 2014
USA STATES
NEBRASKANEVADANEW HAMPSHIRENEW JERSEYNEW MEXICONEW YORKNORTH CAROLINANORTH DAKOTA
THE PRECINCT COMMUNITY NEWSThe Precinct Community News is published by the Joint Precincts. Contributions are submitted at the senders risk. The Joint Precincts do not accept responsibility for material lost. The Joint Precincts reserve the right to make changes to any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. All crime statistics are those logged by the community control room and are those logged by the community control room and are not necessarily those of the newspaper. Reproduction without written permission of the Editor is strictly prohibited. To enquire about reproduction of any material contained in this publication please email: [email protected]. CODE OF CONDUCT: This newspaper has committed itself to report news truthfully and accurately, and to publish comment that is fair in accordance with the highest standards of journalism, as set out in the Press code of South Africa. Complaints that this code has been breached may be lodged with the office of the Press Ombudsman. Written complaints witha copy of the report concerned may be sent to the press ombudsman
Editor: Margaret Dalglish - 011 578 5674Journalist: Phillip Allebone - 073 837 [email protected]: Amorie MacphersonTel: 011 578 5668 • 079 528 5318 Design & Layout: Lizette du Toit - 011 578 [email protected]
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at fax: 011 484 3612 or email: [email protected]
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MANNYS PUZZLE WINNERS!!Winners of the "Hawaii" puzzle is: Winston Olckers
Win a Mannys Buildit Voucher worth R250.00
Manhole Mysteries
Arrest on School Roof
Mexican Shootout
PCN 16 July 2014PCN 16 July 2014
Death Threats and Cellphones
(from. p.1) One factory owner broke down in tears as he described the beating he took, showing us his mangled hand, bruised body and the large dressing on his head. “I look after my workers and try to run a decent business and this is what I get in return?”He said that the police were there but that they did nothing to help and his business has been ruined by the strikers. According to initial assessments the damage that the strikers caused is measured in millions, and that does not include the loss in revenue through lack of
has distanced herself (and the police) from those officers that are involved in criminal activities saying that they bring down the reputation of the police and do not deserve its protection, indicating that all they can expect is the justice of the law, but also that those officers that are working hard, especially those that go above and beyond the call of duty, should be rewarded for their efforts.The police service has been shaken on numerous occasions by the actions of corrupt officers, severely harming the reputation of the police service, and this has seemingly caused much anger amongst the ‘good cops’ who feel that the hard work they do is destroyed by these few.
incident. The police responded quickly, arresting the suspects and recovering seven cell phones and cash. The cellphones recovered did not have their sim cards in them, indicating that they were likely stolen property. Investigations are now underway to discover how these items came to be in the possession of the arrested men. The suspects were arrested and taken to Crystal Park Police station on charges of robbery, assault and kidnapping and will appear in Benoni Magistrates Court.
found on the roof of the school and quickly detained. Realizing that they had just committed a robbery of some kind, a search began to find out where they suspects had broken in and it was soon discovered that there had been a break-in at a house in Kanna Street. They search also revealed that the television that had been taken was abandoned in the property of the kindergarten nearby. The two suspects were arrested for housebreaking by the police and taken off to Benoni police station.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
On Tuesday the 8th of July four men were caught in possession of millions of rands worth of Perlemoen in Simon Street in Rynfield. It seems that there was a tip off as to what was happening on the property and the Hawks and CMS raided the property to discover that an entire drying plant was in operation there. Canisters of gas and large wooden crates were stacked out of sight in the house and yard, and the garage was full of drying perlemoen. According to Paul Ramaloko, the equipment alone was worth 8 million, and the value of the perlemoen was just as high! The four men, all foreign nationals, were caught by surprise and quickly arrested. Inside the house firearms were also discovered. The four, a Chinese, a Malawian and two Mozambicans are expected to appear on charges of dealing in Abelone in Benoni Magistrates Court.The amazing thing was how they had managed to conceal the shellfish with remarkably little smell on the property, but it seems that their efforts were wasted as they were nevertheless
caught and will pay for their crimes. According to what we are told dealing in the shellfish is illegal and can generate huge revenue on the black market, and extreme measures, such as processing the shellfish so far from the place it was harvested is a common tactic in concealing the illegal activities. Well done to the police and patrolmen on this bust.The perlemoen, or abalone, is on the brink of extinction due to commercial over harvesting and the shellfish, whose name perlemoen means mother of pearl in Dutch, is a slow growing and slow maturing shellfish that cannot recover easily from heavy harvesting. The weakening rand also makes the sale of abalone to foreign countries, like china, a very profitable exercise. The abalone trade has also been strongly linked to the drug trade, as dried the abalone is easily transported and shrinks to a fraction of its mass, yet is valuable and in demand, making it the perfect trading commodity to get drugs. The stopping of such trade would have a serious impact on the drug trade.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
It is no shock to anyone that manhole covers are stolen left right and centre in our area – I mean what criminal could resist such a large amount of sellable metal conveniently packaged and ready for the taking. I know that speaking with police on the matter they say that trying to catch the people responsible is hell, since you catch one and another just pops up, but nevertheless it is great to hear that the Crystal Park police are hitting the arrests hard and making sure that while it may be a continuous problem, there will nevertheless be continuous arrests too! While in the Farrarmere area we have not yet caught the people responsible, the Crystal Park area has seen the arrest of four men involved in the theft of the manhole covers on that side. Theft of these covers is a double danger, in fact, since not only must they be replaced, at a cost, the open manholes pose a threat to both pedestrians and vehicles. On
the 30th of June eighteen positively identified manhole covers were recovered from a scrap yard in Putfontein and the four men then arrested. The four suspects, whose ages range between 20 and 26, were booked in at Crystal Park police station on charges of theft of Council property and are expected to appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon. Well done to the Crystal Park police on this case!
3Tell us your story! Email: [email protected] or Phone 011 578 5674
Manhole Mysteries
Arrest on School Roof
Perlemoen Bust in Rynfield
PCN 16 July 2014
(from. p.1) One factory owner broke down in tears as he described the beating he took, showing us his mangled hand, bruised body and the large dressing on his head. “I look after my workers and try to run a decent business and this is what I get in return?”He said that the police were there but that they did nothing to help and his business has been ruined by the strikers. According to initial assessments the damage that the strikers caused is measured in millions, and that does not include the loss in revenue through lack of
trading, or the serious impact that the strike will have on the international confidence in our country. The damage will likely take years to recover from at the very least. In the mean while the question that is asked of us over and over again is why the police cannot protect people from violence such as this?In the Jet Park area the police and security forces set up communication networks and monitored the strikers and where they went, and had in fact some success in keeping the strikers from doing too much harm, but other
areas did not have such a setup and the strikers were almost impossible to control.
Now as the pieces are picked up, the question is basically who will pay for all the damage? Will NUMSA, who seems to deny that there was any damage anyway, pick up the bill? It would seem not, and so we are left with more harm and loss due to pointless violence.
At least one report came in of someone killed in the strike, and we personally saw the destruction and harm to places and people. At
this time we still have not heard if the lady who was beaten on the stomach is ok, and if her unborn baby survived. As one business owner said, “What good is law in this country – the police never protected us – we were at the mercy of savages!”
Unfortunately we don’t have an answer to that, but we do know that one is desperately needed, as it seems that the strikes are happening more and more regularly, and in each case violence ensues.
4 Tell us your story! Email: [email protected] or Phone 011 578 5674
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
In our issue that came out on the 11th of June we ran a story titled ‘Tavern Troubles’ that was a complaint from the community about a tavern that was on the corner of Jarrah and Birch Roads, Benoni Agricultural Holdings, that was intending to move to Orchards Road. The community was up in arms about the possibility as crime and unhealthy circumstances was the order of the day at the tavern, and an appeal was made to stop the tavern from opening.
I am happy to report that the Crystal Park SAPS
took the matter very seriously and intervened and ensured that the tavern will not be opening in the area at all. The station commander of the Crystal Park police station met with the business owners and encouraged them to rethink their plans as the community was deeply against it. Certainly we are very grateful to the station for intervening and making sure that the problem will not arise at all – the voice of the community has been heard and we are thankful that it made a difference. Well done to the community and to the police in making this a safer community!
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
Benoni Host Lions intend to put on a bi-monthly social for the blind and partly-sighted community of Benoni at their Community Centre at 111 Howard Avenue, Western Ext. This will be a great opportunity for people to meet and socialise for the afternoon.
The Lions are an accredited charity organisation who work mostly in raising funds for the diabetic, the blind and the deaf. We rely on assistance from the community, so if there is anyone who would like to help out, or if you are interested in attending the social event, please contact either Gill on 076 174 3610 or Isobel on 083 332 0677
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
On the 26th of June three armed men robbed Café iThai in Western extension, getting away with money and cell phones.
According to what we are told the restaurant was going about its usual delicious business when suddenly a man pulled out a gun and pointed it at the owner’s wife. Two other men
then entered and the customers were relieved of their cell phones and cash. The customers and staff were then locked in the bathroom while the robbers made their getaway but one of the victims was able to break out and press the panic button, alerting their security company. According top the Benoni Police there has not as yet been any arrests but the investigation is ongoing.
03 July 2014Two male suspects driving in a Toyota Avanza were arrested yesterday afternoon in Kempton Park for stealing a truck parked at the shops in Commissioner Street. The suspect driving the stolen truck was apprehended by SAPS members and his accomplice escorting him in a Toyota Avanza, was arrested by EMPD Loss Control Unit member. The arrests took place at around 16h20.Extra vigilant members residing in the area noticed the pair driving around aimlessly and decided to keep an eye on the two men in the Toyota Avanza. Shortly thereafter, a report came through that one of the suspects was seen driving in the Mitsubishi truck. SAPS members pursued the truck and arrested the driver at the corner of Commissioner and Du Plessis streets. EMPD Loss Control member received the lookout via his two-way radio and on sighting the Toyota Avanza, gave chase. The Avanza was cornered at the intersection of Commissioner Street and Pretoria roads.The two arrested suspects from Alexandra township who are in their early thirties, were charged with theft of a motor vehicle at Kempton Park police station. They are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon.
Tavern Troubles Alleviated!
A Social for Blind Citizens of Benoni
A Good Meal Ruined
Two Truck Thieves Nabbed within Minutes of Stealing the Truck in Kempton Park
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
It seems that the closing of the schools after the exams may be a great joy for some, but it is less so for the schools themselves as it seems that robbers have targeted the schools all over the area and have thus far escaped with various electronics and items from the schools, such as Noordelig, Crystal Park Primary. The lack of people in the schools while they
are closed and the amount of electronic items in the schools make them an attractive target for the criminals. According to police the computers and tablets are what the criminals are after, and so far over 80 tablets alone have been stolen from various schools, but it was also said that evidence has been taken from the scenes of the crimes and the police are working hard on the cases.
School Closure Concern
EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
The accomplice who was escorting the stolen truck driver and the escorting Avanza (inset)
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
It seems that quick acting on an opportunity can bring success, as we find in the case of an off duty policeman who managed on the 26th of June to arrest a wanted criminal.An EMPD officer arrived at a relative’s house to discover that there was a man fiddling with the dashboard of his mother-in-law’s car. As he approached the man fled, taking off his gloves, and tried to get into a nearby silver Ford Focus. The officer, realizing the danger of the situation fired off a warning shot and the car sped away, leaving the hapless thief to try to run away on foot. Backup quickly arrived and the suspect was chased down Voortrekker Street and arrested. Wilfred Ksago said that there was also another car, a Ford Fiesta, silver in colour, that was seen fleeing the scene as well, and the thieves were believed to be part of a gang of car thieves operating in the area. The arrested
man was taken to the police station. Upon arrival at the station the man was profiled and discovered to be on the wanted list for a string of cases including hijacking, attempted murder, business robbery, theft of motor vehicle and theft out of motor vehicle.
Acting on the Moment…
PCN 16 July 2014
took the matter very seriously and intervened and ensured that the tavern will not be opening in the area at all. The station commander of the Crystal Park police station met with the business owners and encouraged them to rethink their plans as the community was deeply against it. Certainly we are very grateful to the station for intervening and making sure that the problem will not arise at all – the voice of the community has been heard and we are thankful that it made a difference. Well done to the community and to the police in making this a safer community!
The Lions are an accredited charity organisation who work mostly in raising funds for the diabetic, the blind and the deaf. We rely on assistance from the community, so if there is anyone who would like to help out, or if you are interested in attending the social event, please contact either Gill on 076 174 3610 or Isobel on 083 332 0677
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
There are days that I wonder at the recklessness with which we approach life. Indeed it is true to say that we should live in a society where our families are safe, where we can walk down the street without getting robbed or whatever, but the fact remains that we do not. We live In a society where we are not safe, even in our own homes, and thus it is with a great deal of sadness but also a certain amount of exasperation when I come across incidents like this one; On the 6th of July a man and his wife were out
Personal Safety
PCN 16 July 2014
9Tell us your story! Email: [email protected] or Phone 011 578 5674
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
The thing about drugs is that they lie at the root of a great many problems. Not only problems that they directly cause to the person, but other issues that are inextricably linked to the drug use – like crime.Drugs lead to a huge number of other social ills, I am told by Colonel Tsotsoto on the 5th of July in Tembisa. Domestic violence, rape, theft all kinds of things happen because of what drugs do, and he says, “We are determined to stop drugs in our community.”Well it looks like he is on the right track indeed, as the people gathered to hand out pamphlets against drug abuse and domestic violence. The gathering was a coming together of a number of disparate groups that are all affected by the drugs, from the police who must deal with the crimes, the metro, CMS security, who see firsthand, like the police, the problems drug use causes, to groups like POWA and Kwanele, who tell me that the drugs cause violence, abuse and neglect in the homes and destroy families. The groups are enthusiastic, and it is a perfect day to be out there, and clearly there is in place a lot of careful planning, as we travel to various locations, from the ‘flats’ where many of the younger workers live, to the shopping mall where there is a lot of people to talk to. And the people are happy to see us there, gladly taking the pamphlets and asking about what they can do to make their life better. Communication is the greatest and first step in dealing with the problem. “We want to get off drugs,” say two youngsters, “but we don’t know how or who to talk to, to get help!” Don’t worry, they are told by one policeman, you talk to us, we will show you how to have a better life! I am approached by a very elderly man who insists on asking about the pamphlets, “I want to know,” he says, “but I cannot read.”He is helped, and the point is noted to discuss later. Illiteracy must be overcome too.We run out of pamphlets at a scary speed and have to get more from the cars. CPF members are all over in the crowd, easily identifiable by their luminous jacket proudly displaying who they are and the logos of their sponsors. CMS and the Portuguese Forum have been very active in helping them set up, I am told, but
they bring their side – it wouldn’t work if they were not keen and you may be sure that they are! It is not only the local CPF, though; other sectors came in to help out too, so that the strength of one sector becomes the strength of all the sectors. And the ladies are fearless, even the police are having to be quick on their feet to keep up with them as they stop virtually every person to give them a pamphlet.I keep close to some of the CMS guys, including the General Manager, Gerrit Van Heerden, who made sure that he personally was there handing out with the rest of the people. “This is how you start to make a difference!” he tells me. He grins at me, pointing out another place where there are youth gathered, then going over to hand out pamphlets and talk to them. The police, too, are taking this very seriously, and it is some of the higher rank that are there walking the dusty streets too, everyone is involved and they mean to make this work!Looking at some of the groups there I start to make a mental list. The police, of course, and the Metro Police, in full official uniform, add weight to the effort. The CPF with their luminous bibs, different sectors visible taking their own streets back. The ladies of POWA of course – People Opposing Woman Abuse have a vested interest in the day; the use of drugs usually includes alcohol abuse and the first victim is almost always the wife. There are others too, not all of whom I know, but they are there and they are active. The day ends back at the police station with spirits still high. The patrollers are thanked and encouraged to keep it going, doing more, and the pastor gives his blessing on the day before the footsore patrollers are treated to something to eat and drink for their efforts. The day, everyone agrees, was a huge success, and it looks like they already have future events in the pipeline to deal with issues such as illiteracy – they hope to have an imbizo to talk to people and get the word out to those who can’t read. Me, I take home something that I overheard from one of the people in the street – “why is CMS here involved, why are the police doing this?” The answer is perhaps the only one you can give; “We care about the community – we want your lives to be better.”
Tembisa Against Drugs
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
There are days that I wonder at the recklessness with which we approach life. Indeed it is true to say that we should live in a society where our families are safe, where we can walk down the street without getting robbed or whatever, but the fact remains that we do not. We live In a society where we are not safe, even in our own homes, and thus it is with a great deal of sadness but also a certain amount of exasperation when I come across incidents like this one; On the 6th of July a man and his wife were out
drinking and he left early, so when she went home she was alone and at least somewhat intoxicated, so her guard was down. Somehow at the pub she was bought beers by three men and it seems that they were spiked and she was taken unaware to a house somewhere in Elston Avenue, Benoni and raped. She managed to escape and call her husband to pick her up. They have since opened a case with the police, and it is indeed a terrible thing that this could happen – it should NOT happen, but guys – look after your ladies. Don’t let them walk alone in the streets
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
There have been reports of a group, or groups, of ATM con artists in the area again, one of them in a Gold Corsa, and they seem to be targeting the elderly. Reports have come from both Northmead and Rynfield of such activity, and in an effort to reduce this we approached the police for comment.According to the advice we should be aware not only of people hanging about nearby but also to watch for cars parked too close with suspicious people in them. We should try to
take someone with to draw money so that they
can watch around as you draw. Never let others
see how much you draw. Draw from big centres
if possible where there are others about that
may discourage criminals.
Don’t draw from the same bank twice on one
day and don’t make the withdrawals on a
regular basis that can be noticed and prepared
for. The criminals watch all the time and you
may be sure that they are watching you.
Personal Safety ATM Con Artists In Area
PCN 16 July 2014
CRIME STATS AS REPORTED TO CMS CONTROL ROOM.Please refer to the Precinct Abbreviations above for reference.1 - 13 JULY 2014Crime Statistics
PRECINCT ABBREVIATIONS:ABP - APEX BUSINESS PRECINCTACP - ATLASVILLE COMMUNITY PRECINCTAPHA - ALPHEN PARK HOMEOWNERS ASS.AVCP - ACTONVILLE COMM PRECINCT
BASS - BENONI AGRICULTURAL SAFETY & SECURITYBCP - BREDELL & POMONA COMM PRECINCTBNCP - BENONI NORTH COMM PRECINCTBPCP - BONAERO PARK COMM PRECINCTBSCP - BENONI SOUTH COMM PRECINCT
BWCP - BEYERS PARK WESWOOD COMM PRECINCTCCP - CLOVERDENE CRYSTAL COMM PRECINCTFCP - FARRARMERE COMM PRECINCTGNCP - GREATER NORTHFIELD COMM PRECINCTIPCP - IMPALA PARK COMM PRECINCT
JCP - JOINT COMM PRECINCTSJPBP - JET PARK BUSINESS PRECINCTRCP - RYNMORE COMM PRECINCTWECP - WESTERN EXTENSION COMM PRECINCTLWRA - LAKEWEST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
10 Tell us your story! Email: [email protected] or Phone 011 578 5674
On Monday (2014-04-14), Crystal Park SAPS were called to a complaint of theft of motorcycle in Hazel Road, Benoni AH. The complainant’s dogs were also poisoned, and his Kawasaki motorbike was stolen. On the same Monday afternoon, the police, and CPF members spotted the motorcycle in an open veld, and decided to hold observation. In the early morning hours of Wednesday 2014-04-16, the SAPS and CPF members of Crystal Park noticed movement, and spotted 3 suspects pushing the motorcycle out of the open veld. The members then chased the
three suspects, but managed to arrest only one suspect. The suspect was arrested, and detained at Crystal Park SAPS, and charged with being in possession of stolen property.The suspect went to court on Thursday 2014-04-17, where bail was opposed by the branch commander, Capt Alie van den Berg. The suspect remained in custody in Modderbee Prison. On Monday 2014-06-23, the suspect, Antonio Jahane Uquelo, aged 28, from Mozambique was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment, in the Benoni regional court # 2. He was also
7 Years for Motorcycle ThiefCRYSTAL PARK SAPS MEDIA OFFICE
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
Members to the Boksburg North CPF and the AGS Kerk in Boksburg North have got together with a new initiative to draw the community and police together in an effort to improve the relationship between them and encourage communication in an effort to fight crime. They have begun by getting the churches involved to bring soup to the police on duty in order to show their appreciation to the members and encourage them in their duties. This is just the first step, however, and it is hoped that this will be a stepping stone towards getting to know each other. They intend to encourage the community through the churches and hopefully in turn make it possible to get other churches involved and expand what they do so that in the future bigger and more ambitious projects may become possible.
Herman Heunis tells me that he has a number of plans that are at present still ‘wishes for the future’ but that he hopes will motivate everyone and have an effect on the families in the area, especially those affected by crime or drugs, and so make Boksburg North a safer and better community. He agrees that some of his ideas may seem very ambitious, but he points out that you have to start somewhere, and if you take that first step you can go on to much greater things.Certainly the step has proved a welcome one, as the grateful members were served hot soup and bread to drive away the nasty chill that was settling in quickly as they began their night shift. The idea, Herman says, is to have a different church each do a night so that the members get something hot while they work in the cold every night.
BY PHILIP ALLEBONE
It is an old saying, “Who watches the watchers?” but it is one that has particular significance for the people of South Africa today. Looking through the stories in the news we see plenty of cases where the police are being arrested for criminal activity, and some of the cases may even be close to our own town, whereby there are incidents of “fake” policemen (are they? We ask ourselves?) doing armed robberies and hijacking, cases of assault against the public, and even solicitation cases.A recent newspaper article I read on IOL speaks of senior Johannesburg Police Officers even fighting amongst themselves for control of the hijack and robbery business in Gauteng, and the Star speaks of generals whose names are known to them orchestrating the thefts. The difficulty that we now face is the question of who we can trust to keep us safe. It is certain that there are excellent police officers that are working hard at their jobs. Indeed, I know a number of them and I know that they are dedicated, but at the same time there are those that are actually just criminals. The problem faced is how are we to know the difference and to whom can we speak safely if we suspect the police that we are dealing
with are corrupt? The problem that we are faced with is a complex and difficult one, but there are, it seems, answers to it. Speaking to several police that I know to be good ones, they all give the same advice. If you are asked to stop on the road and you suspect a problem, then go to the nearest garage – they all have cameras. If you are able to, contact your station commander, or, if you feel that even that is not an option, contact IPID. They are all able to help investigate corruption and the efforts are important as we help not only our communities, but also the good police that deserve a better respect than they are getting on account of their corrupt brethren. National police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said police commissioner General Riah Phiyega was looking at rooting out criminal elements in the police “regardless of whether the corrupt officer is based at the Hawks, detective division, crime intelligence or police station”. Considering the issue it occurs to me that the only way that this problem will be sorted out is through the efforts of the public. If the community speaks out and takes action, in whatever way, then the criminal elements of our society will be caught, but as long as we suffer in silence, then essentially we will just suffer.
Warming in WinterWho Watches the Watchers
declared unfit to be in possession of a fire arm. Antonio Uquelo, will serve his sentence in Modderbee Prison.The station commander, LT COL Belinda Motaung thanked the community for assisting
the police, and for a job well done.The station commander, LT COL Belinda Motaunng, still believes that when the SAPS and the community work together, a positive outcome can be reached.
PCN 16 July 2014PCN 16 July 2014
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2014-07-09On 2014-06-26 at about 08:30 and officer of a security company received a panic button of a possible house robbery. He went to the house in Findel Street, Impala Park. The house owner said she saw an African man running through her garden with plastic garden chairs.He left to investigate and patrol. Boksburg North Sector vehicle was also on the scene and they searched for the suspect. They apprehended the suspect in Slangkop Street, Witkoppie Ridge. The suspect could not explain where he got the chairs from. They arrested him and went searching to find where the chairs could have been stolen from. They found the complainant and owner of the chairs, who identified the chairs.They proceeded to Boksburg North SAPS station and opened a case of possession of stolen goods. The value of the chairs is R800-00. Upon further investigation, they found that the suspect is a wanted person on a Boksburg North case. This is a case of housebreaking and theft, which occurred 2013 in Boksburg North. He also used a lot of different names when apprehended. He was previously linked to seven housebreaking and theft cases in Boksburg North precinct.
Wanted ArrestedBOKSBURG NORTH SAPS COMMUNICATION SERVICE
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Warming in Winter
This is a letter that was sent in to us by a h e a r t b r o k e n owner who lost their dog by mischance…"My family and I have always lived in the Benoni area but we recently moved to Rynfield, on
the 10th June. The unthinkable happened - my Yorkie accidently got out of our property due to the people in our complex fixing the gutters As I have never lost an animal, I contacted all the local SPCA’s and vets to ask them if my Yorkie called Squeek has been turned in I put missing posters up, I then made it viral on the network as well as facebook - however to no avail - we have had no luck. The evening Squeek went missing my husband went around our streets calling him but nothing. He then later went to the Engen garage right on the corner of our street to ask if anyone had seen Squeek. It turns out that Squeek had been
seen by the petrol attendants and my husband was informed that they had tried to catch him but before they knew it a lady in a white toyota, had stopped got out walked across the road where my Yorkie was on his way back home picked him up and drove away with him. After hearing this I was hopeful that this lady was doing the right thing and would hand him in to the nearest vet or SPCA. We are still awaiting that day. I feel solely responsible for this happening. My dogs have always been treated like my children in my home and for this to have happened is unthinkable - new home and a great loss in one week is a lot to deal with. I’m desperately searching for this lady in a white car to please please bring my Squeek back to me. I have done everything I can think of, joined many groups in an effort to find him, searched the SPCA’s daily. I strongly believe this lady has taken him and decided to keep him but I really need her to know that Squeek does have a great home he comes from that’s filled with a lot of love for him. I’m now at the end of everything everyone has suggested to do and I do not know what to do to find this lady anymore, its heart-breaking and it also puts a lot of doubt in my mind of the humanity of people in this world but I never once thought that possible in our community.Anyone who has any information on Squeek’s whereabouts can contact Hayley on 078 253 5839."
Appeal for a Yorkie
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