Special intervention unit set to tackle fire issue
Residents are invited to make use of the access to the control centres against fires.
The founder of an online crime-fighting initiative has taken steps to deal with the problem of a suspected arsonist in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Founder of eblockwatch Andre Snyman said they have put together a special intervention unit that would respond to anyone who reported a fire occurrence. This follows a warning to be wary of an alleged arsonist by a social media user as published in Traumatic recount of purported arsonist [Online on April 6].
“We will connect people directly to control centres via WhatsApp. Residents from the affected suburbs which include Dunkeld, Houghton, Bryanston and more Sandton area suburbs can WhatsApp [register] to the provided number. We will of course ask relevant questions to determine that one is not a scammer. From there, all the information provided will be forwarded to central intelligence and police,” explained Snyman.
He added that there would be a QR code provided as well for users to scan to access the unit. Snyman said resources that would be utilised in the occurrence of a fire would include ground forces, a drone crew as well as a helicopter.
“The [alleged] arsonist has no empathy. He is agile as he climbs house roofs and takes his time while perpetrating these acts of arson. I have been to at least 12 homes affected by arson since October last year. At least two people have been taken to ICU and most of these houses have been burnt to the ground.”
Bramley Police Station Commander Colonel Owen King confirmed that since the beginning of the year to date, three arson cases had been reported to the station.
Warrant Officer Bongi Mdletshe, the spokesperson for Rosebank Police Station said, “We have only had enquires regarding the fire in Dunkeld since we couldn’t prove any foul play.”
Details: The WhatsApp number to contact is 076 050 9406.
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