Cops debunk safety in numbers

The belief of safety in numbers or when in a crowd has been debunked by Alexandra Police Station as residents track to malls for relaxation as the festive season mood gains traction.

Station spokesperson Captain Stephen Malatji said it’s not always safe to think of going to relax in malls with children as the family can get caught in a crossfire between criminals and those depositing money into ATMs. He explained that shoot-outs often result in fatalities among civilians, “Money carriers who do their work in the public’s interest are trained and empowered to exercise force through the guns to protect and ensure that residents can access their money through the machines, unlike criminals who will shoot indiscriminately.”

Malatji also urged for maximum respect of cordons placed around the machines being refilled with money. This after a resident was beaten up for violating the cordon at a mall claiming that he has a right to walk wherever he pleased. Residents, Malatji said, should remember that rights are also limited and every adult should be aware of the responsibility to their own safety and the safety of others. “The police may not assist those choosing to take a risk but instead, charge them for abusing the money carriers’ right to perform their duty in the interest of the public.”

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