On Thursday, 23 March, the Herald joined the Randfontein Police, a number of members of the Sector 5A Community Policing Forum, the Home Affairs Immigration Services and the Krugersdorp Police, among others on a visible policing mission in the Finsbury, Wheatlands and Brandvlei areas.
Vehicles travelled in convoy, targeting shebeens and small supermarkets. Three CPF members, namely Storm Hail, Kevin Webster and Paul Putter, assisted in searching the premises. The Herald travelled with Sector Manager Sergeant Wilson Molokomme, who has been with the Randfontein Police for 13 years and is also the Rural Safety Coordinator.
He said that house break-ins during the day are a big problem in the Finsbury area and showed the Herald what actually makes residents vulnerable. While driving through the streets, it was clear that some residents do not protect their property or vehicles and leave ample opportunities for criminals to enter their homes. Proper fencing in residential areas is also a big problem.
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“Gates are standing open and some residents go inside their homes while their vehicle doors are still open,” Molokomme said. He added that illegal immigrants used to be a problem in the area, but that this has become less of an issue. He urged residents to be vigilant at all times and not let people drop off newspapers and then let them into your home when they ask for water or to use the toilet.
During the operation, one suspect was arrested for possession of dagga. On one plot, residents were found in possession of multiple crates of beer as well as a dustbin filled a concoction of alcohol, waiting to be sold. They received a warning and the alcohol was confiscated.
At one store, Sergeant Johnny Segopa of the Randfontein Police confronted the owner whose business was not fully compliant with the Liquor Licensing Act. She received a warning and her particulars were filed.
At another store, Segopa warned an owner about selling copied music and DVDs, and about selling loose cigarettes – cigarettes sold out of their packs do not carry warnings against the use of tobacco, as normal cigarettes packs do.
Molokomme told the Herald that part of their duty is to inform families of the deaths of loved ones, saying, “That is extremely hard to do”.
Henry Boyce, Chairperson of the Sector 5A CPF, then lauded the public for its involvement in crime-fighting, saying “We receive a lot of tip-offs from the community, which helps both the police and CPF to combat crime”.
Molokomme added that the police cannot combat crime on their own.
The team was extremely respectful towards residents, and carried out their duties professionally.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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