The event took place at the Chai FM Radio studios at Chestnut Hill. IRS Forensics is a locally based independent financial crimes investigation company, and its spokesperson Chad Thomas said their gesture was also a challenge to other companies who operated in the area to assist the police in crime prevention. Thomas said the cellphones and car chargers would be used in the police sector vehicles.
He said they took their role in the community very seriously. “IRS is based in the Norwood policing area. No one can deny that parts of Louis Botha Avenue and other parts of the area have become run down and dangerous for members of the community. Private companies and residents need to engage with the police structures to assist in combating the spread of crime in our area. The best way to do this is to support your local Community Policing Forum.”
He said they were shocked when they were told that out of eight sector vehicles only three had functioning cellphones and they decided to donate five cellphones to make a difference in the community. “It’s in the best interests of the community, we can’t have vehicles which don’t have cellphones. People must show their appreciation to the men and women in the blue uniform. It doesn’t have to be a material item, even professionals in our area like psychologists can give their time by counselling traumatised police.”
Police spokesperson Nonzwakazi Tsoanyane stated that the cellphones would assist in improving the reaction time. “People now will be able to call their respective sector vehicles directly instead of contacting them via the police station as it was the case.”
Barker said they appreciated the gesture from IRS as that would play a vital part in combating crime in the area. “We are really grateful to them, they realised that we didn’t have enough cellphones and they helped us. People with concerns can call the vehicles which can be just around the corner.” However Barker stressed that 10111 is still the number to call for emergencies.
