Residents urged to stop prank calling the police
“When you call the emergency number try to be calm, speak clearly and slowly for the telephone operator to assist you faster.”
Kwatsaduza – Police are pleading with the community to stop abusing the 10111 emergency line.
We are the SAPS front liners who are committed to every citizen’s safety as per our core function.
In a statement released by Germiston Flying Squad communications officer Const Ntombikayise Ngcobo, she says they are receiving a receiving high volume of abusive, hoax and prank calls that are made by both children and adults.
Also read:
KwaThema police officer dies in car accident
“When we follow up we discover some of the calls are made from the same number many times. The parents inform us that the child was playing with the phone.
“This type of behaviour is making it difficult for the public who need police assistance urgently to get help.
“We condemn such behaviour because it may even cost lives.
“When the members of the public call the emergency number responsibly lives will be saved, more crimes will be prevented and more suspects will be arrested.
“At Gauteng 10111 command centre we are at your service 24 hours a day.
“Everyone must take precautions that you only call 10111 emergency line when you are in danger (life threatening situation); witness a crime, see something suspicious or someone possibly committing an offence.”
“Our call operators and call dispatchers will ensure that every complaint is registered and dispatched to be attended,” she explains.
Also read:
Duduza police warn residents about rise in hijackings
Ngcobo adds they have identified that there are people who call the emergency line several times a day reporting the same incident.
“It is a crime to abuse 10111. Use it responsibly.
“When you call the emergency number try to be calm, speak clearly and slowly for the telephone operator to assist you faster.
“Also remember to give the telephone operator your contact number, full address where the incident is happening and the type of incident, and if possible provide the description of the nearest landmarks such as post office, shops or clinic especially where there are no proper addresses.
“Our members will attend to all the complaints as soon as possible,” she adds.
Follow us on:
