Turning domestic workers into domestic watchers

Makole Letswai, a domestic worker in Parkview, explained that four men driving in a white van approached her gate claiming that they had permission from the owners of the house to come and do alterations.

“They came to the house and said my boss had called advising them to come and fix something. At first I was suspicious, but after they pretended to call my boss I let them in,” she said.

Letswai explained that after gaining entry into the house, they tied her up and put her in the main bedroom, covering her with a blanket.

The four suspects then proceeded to raid the house, stealing jewellery and other possessions.

Domestic watch organiser Penny Steyn, explained that domestic workers and gardeners were usually easy targets for criminals. “Many of the domestic workers in the area are easy targets as they have to do as they’re told or they will get killed,” Steyn said.

Steyn advised that in situations such as these, domestic workers should rather press the panic button or alert security.

“The must not go near the gate if they are not expecting anybody. They must press the panic button and know the police and security numbers. Domestic workers must also know how to pass out information,” she said.

Steyn added that many criminals were extremely selective in selecting their targets.

“They know what to look out for, and many times they have already gathered information of the houses they are targeting,” Steyn said.

“We are fighting a war of information and not guns and swords,” Steyn said.

A case of robbery has already been opened with the Parkview police.

Steyn will host a number of domestic watch classes and urges all domestic workers to attend.

Details: 011 486 5000.