Situated near the heart of the Germiston CBD is the headquarters of the Germiston Flying Squad, where 103 SAPS members report for duty.
Covering an area which includes 23 police stations, the flying squad serves precincts such as Bedfordview, Germiston, Alberton, Boksburg, Springs, Nigel, Brakpan and many others.
It is led by Lt Col Madimetja Kgole.
Like other law enforcement agencies, the flying squad is dedicated to keeping the community safe.
The Germiston Flying Squad’s communications officer Const Ntombikayse Ngcobo said the unit works in close partnership with other law enforcement agencies, following tip-offs, being vigilant during patrols and assisting where needed.
It focuses on trio crimes, which include hijackings and residential and business robberies.
The unit’s members can also be seen patrolling the N3, N12 and N17 highways, actively seeking suspects and suspicious behaviour.
“On average, the Germiston unit responds to 50 incidents in a month. These are divided between patrols and call-outs,” said Ngcobo.
Ngcobo explained that while on patrol, officers remain vigilant and conduct stop-and-searches if they feel it is necessary.
“One of the main indicators that a motorist is suspicious or hiding something is reckless driving,” said Ngcobo.
“During highway patrols, the most common crimes identified by flying squad members is the possession of hijacked motor vehicles and possession of narcotics.”
Besides fighting crime, flying squad members out on patrol will assist the community where they can, such as providing directions.
Because of the area the flying squad covers, it relies on information from the 10111 centres.
Ngcobo said officers will listen to their radios and the SAPS communicator radio and respond and request assistance if they are in the area of the reported crime.
Alternatively, the 10111 centres will contact specific vehicles directly about a crime, as the centre knows which vehicles are in which area.
Ngcobo explained that there are times when the 10111 centre receives crank calls.
She said these calls happen mainly after school hours or during school holidays and are made by children.
On other occasions, very young children or people under the influence of alcohol will phone the 10111 centres for no reason.
Ngcobo advised community members to refrain from phoning 10111 unnecessarily.
“When a call to 10111 is made the SAPS has to respond, and if it is a crank call it is a waste of resources.”
Ngcobo explained that after an internal process, criminal charges can be brought against someone who misuses the 10111 number.
She urged community members to work with the unit and other law enforcement agencies.
“The SAPS regards the truth as the utmost importance and acknowledge the diversity of SA and will treat everyone equally with respect.
“We urge people to come forward and provide any information to the police so we can follow up on it.”
Ngcobo said officers aim to uphold the law at all times and prevent crimes to the utmost of their ability.
fact box
When reporting a crime to 10111, community members must provide:
• Their contact details and an alternative contact number
• The address they are at or the road name with an identifiable landmark
• A detailed account of what happened.
After they have provided the call centre with the information, callers can hang up unless instructed otherwise.
“If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, try to keep the line with 10111 open for as long as possible,” said Ngcobo.
