Resident claims police refused to attend to a burglary in progress
GREENSIDE – Resident alleges she couldn't report a crime.
A Greenside resident took to Facebook following the manner in which her call to report a crime in progress to the Parkview Police Station was allegedly handled, on 6 December.
According to Cashel Shilo Harris’ post on the I Love Greenside public page, she witnessed a break-in at the corner of Gullane Road and Barry Hertzog Avenue at around 3.50pm.
“Maroon Hyundai parked in a driveway; two guys derailed the gate and then smashed the sliding door. They saw us and carried on smashing the door,” reads her post.
“We pressed the panic button for NYPD security but no one has arrived (we still waiting).
“I called Parkview police but they said that I cannot report anything because I’m not the owner. The guys drove off towards Milpark.”
The post sparked outrage from members of the group. Many questioned the professionalism of the police and were shocked at the alleged treatment of Harris by an officer of the law.
Evidently upset, one member of the group responded saying, “The SAPS are full of nonsense and you should follow that up with their station commander. It’s a citizen’s duty to report a crime.”
Another said, “Can’t rely on ‘protect and serve’ with that kind of attitude – disgraceful.”
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In a statement, Parkview’s Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said the allegations were now under investigation. “Parkview SAPS has seen the complaint and the management of the police station are attending to the matter,” said Sibeko.
“According to our records, a case docket of house-breaking and theft at Gullane Road, Greenside has been registered.”
The statement stated that the complainant, Harris, had been visited by a senior officer from the station, which Harris confirmed on Facebook.
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“Parkview SAPS would like to assure the residents that our priority is to create a safe and secure environment at all times and will always strive to ensure that any reported cases or matters receive the necessary attention as urgently as possible,” concluded the statement.
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