GOLDEN HARVEST PARK – Private security companies, Metro police and Honeydew police work together to eradicate crime at Golden Harvest Park.
Superintendent Wandile Mrubata with the little ones of Golden Harvest .
The rate of crime in Golden Harvest Park has dramatically decreased in the past two months according to Ward 101 councillor Dalu Cele.
This has been due to the inception of an initiative and combined efforts by the ward councillor, Metro police and private security companies.
Some of the security companies’ personnel who voluntarily patrol Golden Harvest Park on a regular basis.
These stakeholders held a crime awareness campaign on 25 March handing out flyers to the residents with information on how to keep safe in the park.
Councillor Cele said the incidents have decreased since they increased security visibility in the park.
“We used to have incidents reported every week but now we can even go two weeks without any incident being reported,” he said.
Metro police cluster commander Superintendent Wandile Mrubata declared that the park belonged to the residents and not to criminals.
He said they had increased their efforts and were working closely with private security companies in ensuring that the park was safe.
“We do regular patrols with the security companies and we teach residents about bylaw transgressions. We have also done the illegal connections and illegal dumping campaigns,” he said.
He thanked the security companies for working with the police.
“We do regular patrols, even during the night. We exchange times with these companies,” he said.
He appealed to residents to use the call centre number, 011 375 5911 to get hold of them in case they suspect any suspicious activities in and outside the park.
Greg Pearce from the Community Support Service and the security company’s chairperson in the Honeydew Policing Precinct said they were well organised.
“We do random patrols on a voluntary basis. The initiative has made a huge difference,” he said.
Greg Pearce from Community Support Service, Ward 101 councillor Dalu Cele and Metro police cluster commander Superintendent Wandile Mrubata at Golden Harvest Park.
He explained that victims of crime in the park should go to the security point and report these incidents immediately, as it helps security companies to chase the suspects.
“At times we arrest these suspects and find that the victims have left already and we cannot take them to the police,” he said.
Safety precautions
Victims of any incident must report it and remain at the park’s main entrance where the guards are situated
If medical assistance is required, the Hunters Hill Fire Station has emergency medical trained personnel, which can assist until the EMS arrive
Residents should try, as far as possible, to walk or run in groups and not alone
Residents should refrain from walking alone through the park as a shortcut and must report any crime incidents to Honeydew police
Residents should refrain from carrying cellphones, cash or any other valuable items when alone in the park.
Details: Metro police 011 375 5911; Councillor Dalu Cele dalu@ward-101.co.za
