The issue of establishing relationships of trust with neighbours and security officers was highlighted at the Domestic Watch meeting in Suideroord on May 12.
Martin Barber of SOS Security advised domestics to have a relationship with SAPS, security companies operating in the area, their employer and neighbours, and sector CPF members for the purpose of safety.
“Criminals check which security companies are working in that area, and if the company is not visible, the criminals know they can break in,” explained Barber.
Mondeor SAPS communications officer Constable Elizabeth Sibongile Mnguni informed the women that should they be stopped by uniformed officers, or if they encounter a corrupt officer, they have a right to ask for the officer’s identification card.
“Police should have a signed ID card. It must be signed by the national police commissioner and must have an eight digit service number. The ID photo should be scanned onto the hard plastic card and not pasted. The photo is scanned and not removable, it can’t be cut out. When the officer shows you the card, the police star is facing you and it should be on the right-hand side,” explained Const Mnguni.
When one of the women said that she had seen a uniformed officer driving a police vehicle and demanding a bribe from someone she believed was a criminal, Mnguni advised citizens to first report corrupt officers to the station commander and if they are not satisfied with the response, they should then report the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on 011 220 1500 or via email to Complaints.Gauteng@ipid.gov.za
