Police stick to their guns

This was made clear at a meeting called by the Vorna Valley Residents’ Association on 28 August.

Joint operations, which were normally held by the police, the community policing forum and security companies, are now “on hold”, as reported in Community confused by police decision, week ending 29 August.

Midrand Police Station commander, Colonel Steven Moodley said, “There is no legal framework by which these things [stop and searches, road blocks in partnership with civilians] can happen.” As a result, to protect civilians against legal ramifications he said the police needed to operate within the law.

When asked about indemnity forms that volunteers are required to sign, Moodley replied, “In my opinion [indemnity forms] are not even worth the paper they are written on.”

Moodley called upon his operational commander, Captain Lionel Chetty, to clarify statements made by Tembisa cluster commander Major General Vincent Leshabane in a previous meeting.

“[In my understanding] he [Leshabane] said joint operations are not legislated. Should something happen to the civilians, they are not covered,” said Chetty.

Some community members were not happy with the reasoning behind the halting of joint operations.

“It seems to me the police are getting legal advice as to how they can be less effective, as opposed to being given advice on their rights. I suggest that you seek such advice,” suggested Carl von Pfeil.

“None of the legal advice that you received, and we were present when you actually received the advice, recommended that we disband joint operations,” said Takis Michalakis of Midrand Sector 4 crime forum.

“We’ve asked you to get written clarity from Major General Vincent Leshabane. We have not received it. As far as we are concerned the general has not given that instruction,” he declared.

In addition to being part of the police reserve force, Moodley said, “Helping with [administrative functions], is another way people could assist their local police station.”