Domestic workers and gardeners were briefed on safety on Friday 18 July.
Organised by active crime fighter and resident Alf Levine in conjunction with the HelderKloof Neighbourhood Watch, Dowry Security and the Roodepoort Police, domestic workers and gardeners gathered at the corner of Gail and Impala Streets in Helderkruin. Besides the sector police, the SAPS Women’s Network of Roodepoort also addressed the employees.
Sergeant Manganyi who works in the Social Crime Prevention Department gave crime prevention tips and a checklist of things to do when criminal activity is noticed. In addition Roodepoort Police and HelderKloof Neighbourhood Watch gave out pamphlets, listing their own sets of tips in Afrikaans, English, isiZulu and Setswana.
“It is important for these employees to understand what’s happening in the area, stay aware and report criminal activities,” says Levine. He was pleased with the turnout of around 30 domestic workers and gardeners.
“The domestic workers and especially gardeners are our eyes and ears in the Helderkruin neighbourhood,” says sector police manager Donald Niehaus.
Dowry Security reaction manager Bruce Webster noted that it was the second of its kind held in Helderkruin, and that another is planned in the following weeks in a different section of Helderkruin.
“The importance of this continual forum was highlighted when a gardener noticed criminal activity on his way to the forum on Friday,” says policeman Gerrit van Deventer.
“He reported it to us when he got to the forum and we were able to mobilise a vehicle immediately and successfully arrest two suspects near the spot he pointed out.”
