According to Mad founder Penny Steyn, the biggest challenge faced by law enforcement agents is the lack of information given by the witness. Police detectives rely heavily on gathering information, which if insufficient together with evidence, makes it difficult to convince a judge on the guilt of a suspected criminal.
“The principle behind our domestic watch is to always safeguard the attendees from becoming a victim by passing on information. I make absolutely sure that they know how to pass on this information without putting their lives in jeopardy,” said Steyn.
“A witness is expected to tell the truth, with detectives not looking for hearsay, opinions, perceptions or a deduction, but only the facts. You don’t have to have seen the crime or criminals, but if you live in the area where it took place there are so many little aspects to a crime that need to be looked at. Maybe our domestics and gardeners (and their employers) will have heard or seen something that will make a huge difference and help the detective solve the crime.”
Make a Difference July meetings:
- 19 July, Bryanston East, 10am, Bryanston Methodist Church
- 24 July, Linbro Park, 9.30am, Linbro Park Tennis Club
- 25 July, Gallor Manor-Morningside Manor, 10am, Manor Community Church
- 26 July, Parkview, 10am, St Columba’s Church
- 26 July, Craighall Park, 12pm, Wesleyan Church
- 30 July, Hurlingham, 10am, Rosebank Union Church
- 30 July, Linden Precinct, 12pm, Fontainbleau Community Church
- 30 July, Saxonwold, 12pm, The War Museum
- 31 July, Parktown North, 12pm, The Methodist Church
- 31 July, Morningside, 2pm, Sandton police station
