JMPD shortcomings exposed

An incident of illegal dumping in the greenbelt along Krugerrand Street, where electrical cable was removed from a construction site and set alight next to Florin Road last weekend has exposed some shortcomings of JMPD in responding to incidents.

The Northsider made contact with JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla from the scene during the incident as local security companies were unable to get hold of JMPD to report the incident.

Fihla says that JMPD control room is experiencing problems with their phone lines during load-shedding, which sometimes presents communication challenges.

“It is recommended that members of the public make use of the alternative number which is 0800 002 587,” says Fihla.

• Also read: Cable thieves burn wires in greenbelt

The problems do not stop there, though. Even after reporting the incident to JMPD, the Northsider, together with security personnel waited on the scene for nearly two hours, and eventually had to leave as JMPD did not show up.

Fihla, in answer to questions posed by the Northsider, simply said that JMPD officers did react to the complaint, but found nothing an no-one by the time they showed up at the scene, and so opted to leave.

The Northsider has received numerous reports from local security companies that JMPD does not seem overly eager to assist with incidents.

According to Beagle Watch Security area manager Cobus Botes, their interactions with JMPD leaves a lot to be desired.

“As a local security company, we receive a lot of complaints from the public that we have to report to JMPD as we have no jurisdiction or power to enforce bylaws.

“Our control room would report matters to JMPD, receive a reference number, but in most cases JMPD simply does not respond. In instances that they do respond, they arrive so long after the fact that the incident is over and they are no longer needed.”

BCI Security operations manager Lionel Gafney mirrors complaints by Beagle Watch.

“When we report bylaw infringements to JMPD, we get a reference number, but it would take two hours or more for a JMPD vehicle to respond. When they do respond, they don’t do anything,” he says.

“We are all working toward bettering the areas in which we operate, but how do you do that when the agency whose job it is to enforce bylaws simply do not come to the party?

“On Saturday, we tried to report the illegal burning of cable in the green belt, but could not get hold of JMPD.”

According to Fihla, the JMPD has taken note of the recent complaints from security companies, and resolves to address these concerns. “I will definitely pass this on to my superiors. It is unacceptable that JMPD is seen to be unresponsive and unhelpful in the carrying out of our duties.

“Saturday’s incident has been reported to the relevant commander for further investigation, since we take bylaw infringements like illegal dumping very seriously.

“We urge security companies and CPFs to distribute the contact details of the relevant commanders among themselves to ensure effective communication between the structures and JMPD. In this way, they can direct their concerns directly at the commanders, who are in the best position to address the problems.,” Fihla concludes.