Danger strikes at any moment and the steadfast attentiveness of community authorities is the defining factor of success or failure.
Hosted at Rhema West Church by BCI Security and Civilian Crime Intelligence Network (CCIN), private security companies, neighbourhood watches, community policing forums and police assembled for an evening of congratulations and appreciation.
A reportedly 100-strong contingent of community responders played a collective role in ensuring the safe return of three-week-old baby Mikayla. The infant’s biological mother, who lives in the Princess informal settlement, removed Mikayla from the custody of her grandmother. A court order was granted for suspected drug-related reasons, revoking the parental rights of the mother and granting them to the baby’s grandmother.
On Friday, 25 September, the baby was taken from her legal guardians and hidden in the Princess informal settlement, prompting a massive community response. After scouring every corner of the informal settlement, the baby was located shortly after midnight, just 12 hours after her disappearance.
On Wednesday 30 September, the various role players gathered to acknowledge the bravery and determination showed by everyone, ensuring the baby would have a better chance of a meaningful future. Johnny Loots of BCI Security kick-started the accolades evening with a word of appreciation for the security fraternity.
“You guys make an awesome team. I’m incredibly proud to be associated with you all,” said the man of many actions but few words.
Thereafter was the turn of Dr Reza Patel, Founder of CCIN and Gauteng Community Policing Board Chairperson.
“No wheel can exist without every spoke being in place. Without this collective effort, this child may not have been found,” he said. “There was this automatic togetherness present from everyone. You don’t get this type of response unless you are community-driven,” he continued.
Key to the success were the leadership and tactical skills of Warrant Officer Jeanne Lundie who guided the evening’s operation. Her stoic silence embodies her character as she chose not to speak, instead sharing the limelight with the collective. The spirit of shared achievement was evident as even the man who made first contact with the infant asked not to be named as to not detract from the efforts of the collective community mobilisation.
He did, however, share some insight as to how he and his colleagues navigated the notoriously dangerous and narrow alleyways of the informal settlement. The search party would be split into small groups with a police officer accompanying a private operator in tandem.
“Princess is a tough place. We had to act on every lead and bit of information. We were probably within metres of her about 10 times but they kept moving,” recounted the Florida-based operative.
Each member present received a certificate commemorating their individual efforts, and the family of the baby reiterated their heartfelt thanks, while remaining camera shy. The team comradery concluded with celebratory refreshments, snacks and a commitment to further collaboration.
