Ashtyn Mackenzie
Rosebank Police Station’s spokesperson, Sergeant Bongi Mdletshe, confirmed that during a security meeting, Fidelity ADT Security reported an incident where a domestic worker was approached on the road this week and offered cash if they could take the baby, reports
Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
ADT community development manager Sam Cretten said although it was too early to panic and highlight this as a trend, one could never be too careful.
READ MORE: Cops investigate kidnapping after domestic worker and toddler go missing
“The incident was reported to the security company by the domestic worker’s employer. It has not yet been reported to the station, but we are urging residents to be aware,” added Mdletshe.
According to the police, as domestic staff are a home and family’s first line of defence, it is particularly important that one hires staff who have been vetted, are trustworthy and competent. Captain Granville Meyer, spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station, noted: “[We] recommend that all employees be vetted and a police clearance obtained.”
Meyer added it was entirely optional for the employers whether or not to follow this recommendation.
What you will need:
- Valid ID or passport
- Fee of R114 (a receipt will be issued by the police)
- Employee to go to the station to record their fingerprints.
Important security tips:
- Educate your domestic staff on security so they feel empowered. A vital responsibility is to verify who enters your property when you are not at home.
- Unannounced workmen or suppliers should not be let in, and suspicious persons or activity should be reported to a security company or police.
- Reinforce the message that nobody can be trusted. Whether you think you know someone well or not, the rule applies. Even if the domestic worker knows the person, it is never advisable to allow that person access into the main home or to stop and talk to anyone on the road when they are looking after a child.
- Encourage your domestic staff to exchange cellphone numbers with other domestic staff at properties adjacent or opposite so that you can alert each other of suspicious people or vehicles.
- Consider enrolling your domestic staff in local crime-prevention forums which take place in most neighbourhoods every month. These are often arranged by the police or community members and teach domestic workers valuable crime-prevention and safety tips.
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