The Herald accompanied Randfontein Police members on a special operation recently, figuratively painting Mohlakeng and Brandvlei blue.
Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police invited the Herald along to witness what they do during these planned operations.
First the police held a parade, which Ernst explained to be a daily routine, with the purpose of making sure everybody is in good health, fit and briefed.
Captain Freddy Balepile explained, “The aim of these operations is to target illegal taverns, illegal wiring of electricity cables and illegal firearms.”
He ended the briefing by saying, “We need to look out and take care of each other.”
Then six police vehicles embarked on the raid with the Herald in one of the vehicles alongside Captain Nicky Theunissen, Captain Appel Ernst and other members.
Captain Ernst explained it takes two years to become a policeman. When asked if police officers must be fit at all times, she replied, “All police officials are required to do a certain amount of exercises. The exercises are assessed based on each individuals’ age and working environment. Once a year their health and fitness are assessed.”
At our first stop in Mohlakeng, foreigners were asked for their passports. The policeman also held the documents against the light to see if it was forged. After making sure the two foreigners’ papers were in order, police went into a house where they made their first arrest of the day for the illegal dealing in liquor.
Fortunately the owner confessed it to be her property, which gave police the right to apprehend the woman. The police removed the alcohol and empty bottles from the illegal traders and took it to the police station.
Ernst explained further, “If they do these operations in convoy, they can move in and out easier and quicker, arrest the illegal traders and move on to the next area.”
In the next area targeted it became very clear that most of these traders make their own concoctions. Even though this sometimes is their only means of making a living, one of the consequences of alcohol in households often is violence.
At another tavern that was exposed, it was clear those residents start consuming alcohol very early in the day and many of them become hostile when their alcohol is taken away.
Ernst continued, “When you are a policeman you observe things around you in a very different way than other people do. When people gather around, you immediately suspect something is happening. Attention to detail becomes a natural way of life.”
She told the Herald one skill she has mastered in her years with the force is remembering vehicle number plates.
This operation proved to be a success as four arrests were made and more or less 70 litres of liquor were confiscated.
The Randfontein Police also are involved in charity work and are part of the Women’s Network group, Ernst said. They also are dedicated to women empowerment. They often donate clothes and other necessities to those living in poverty. While adhering to their main objective – to protect and serve the community – they truly care about the residents of Randfontein.
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