‘Thank you Bedfordview’ – Col Shiburi
"Our festive season plans are in place. Our cars are ready and we are also monitoring absenteeism and making sure our members are ready and available for residents."
The station commander of the Bedfordview SAPS has thanked residents for their support throughout 2015.
Colonel Sevha Shiburi said policing the area was easier because of the information provided by the community.
“I thank the residents for their continued support. You made it easier for us to fight crime in 2015. I trust you will do the same in the coming year,” said Col Shiburi.
He said residents should always remember the roles they play in the fight against crime.
“Our festive season plans are in place. Our cars are ready and we are also monitoring absenteeism and making sure our members are ready and available for residents,” he said.
Col Shiburi warned members of the public against corruption.
“It is also important for our residents to note that bribery is a crime and we need them to refrain from offering bribes to our members. We also acknowledge that corruption is a two-way-street and to this end, we warn our members on a daily basis of the consequences should they be caught taking bribes,” said Col Shiburi.
Col Shiburi said serious crimes such as house robberies had shown a decrease since the introduction of community WhatsApp groups.
“Through these we receive information on suspicious characters and are able to follow up and act before crime is committed,” said Col Shiburi.
He said home owners are encouraged to bring their domestic workers to forums organised for them.
“During these forums we give tips to domestic workers on things to look out for when working in residents’ homes,” said Col Shiburi.
He said the SAPS has already increased visibility in shopping centres and petrol stations.
“We visit morning parades conducted by mall security where we discuss incidents of the previous days, as well as lookouts during the day,” said Col Shiburi.
Col Shiburi said residents should always be aware of their surroundings.
“We have a challenge with residents wearing very expensive jewellery and then flashing the items at restaurants and other public places. Although we cannot restrict you from wearing the items, we do plead that you take extra care and make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive directly to the nearest police station,” he said.
Col Shiburi said the station has a challenge with community members reporting false cases.
“Here we do not open cases just for insurance purposes. We open cases to investigate and get to the bottom of the case. If you are caught lying to the police, you will be charged with perjury,” he said.
