Car guards must join the fight against crime, urge police
Warrant Officer Skhosane wants the guards to be the police's eyes and ears on the ground but to do this it appears as if business will have to come on board with funding.
They can be irritating and in your face but apparently, they do serve a purpose.
The car guard phenomenon was under the spotlight at the Dundee Police Station last week when over 20 local car guards reported for a meeting with senior police officers and Community Police Forum chairperson, Fikile Sithole.
Dressed in their shabby, faded reflective jackets, they were read the riot act by Warrant Officer D Skhosane and Boykie Sithole of the CPF who warned them to ‘make sure you are washed, clean and alert to fighting crime’.
“We must unite as a team – the car guards and police – to protect the public,” Warrant Officer Skhosane said.
It was not clear what the car guards should do should they see someone attempting to steal a car or commit another crime.
However, Ms Sithole said they should contact the police immediately.
The logistics of doing this were not clear as many guards are from disadvantaged backgrounds and do not have access to communication tools.
Ms Sithole added that she had seen guards in Pietermaritzburg who are ‘neatly dressed’ and in so doing automatically encourage the public to tip them.
The possibility of getting a sponsor for reflective jackets, complete with the guard’s photo and contact details, was also discussed.
A committee was elected to allow the guards a platform where they could raise concerns with the police.
Warrant Officer Skhosane wants the guards to be the police’s eyes and ears on the ground but to do this it appears as if business will have to come on board with funding.
Follow up meetings are planned.
