Outpouring of support for injured crime fighter

THERE has been an outpouring of concern from the community for Toti crime fighter, George Snodey who was injured in a crash on the N2 on Friday, 25 September.

George is currently recovering in hospital.

First chairman of the CCPO, George Lithgow describes George Snodey as a ‘great ambassador and dedicated community leader’.

“I have known George for 33 years. I was appointed as the first chairman of the CCPO by the community and was privileged to work with George on a first-hand basis. He is a devoted individual and was placed as our first operations co-ordinator in the CCPO. He served with pride and wasted no time in tackling crime in our area head-on. He motivated the CCPO ground teams daily and with his full commitment and selfless act, he worked many late nights and early mornings on many different days without sleep, at his own expense to make our community a safe area and the CCPO a resounding success.

I received many phone calls of praise from all over South Africa and abroad for the good security work this team achieved in a short period of time. When I reflect back on all the families George has assisted over the years, including placing his life on the line to save a police officer held at gunpoint, you then realise what a gift a man like this is to our community.

George received a South African Police bravery award from Toti police station in 2007 for his actions in saving two policemen who were held at gunpoint in Seadoone Road.

He is a respected citizen of our town and his commitment to making Amanzimtoti the safest town in South Africa is commendable. His outstanding work will go down in history and he will always be remembered now and in the future as an individual who made a difference to a community like ours.”

Retired Metro police manager, Terry Lang also sang Snodey’s praises as a strong and dedicated officer and one of the most hard working officers he has ever worked with. “He is serious and means business when it came to crime.”

Former SAPS station commander at Toti, Carel Grobler said: “I personally hold George Snodey in very high esteem for the work he does in the community and his assistance in helping myself and the SA police in fighting crime in the region. He is an extremely vigilant member of the community and is always there to assist the police and the community against crime. I wish him a quick and healthy recovery as the Amanzimtoti community really needs him.”

According to Lithgow, late traffic chief, Pat Smith said ‘if there was any reason I would move back to the beautiful town of Amanzimtoti would be the dedication of crime fighter, George Snodey who really made a difference’.

“Thanks to another strong community leader in our town, Chris Botha for his outstanding work in stabilising George at the accident scene. George, the community of the entire Sapphire Coast wish you a speedy recovery. Thanks for taking the time in helping those in need when they really needed it,” said Lithgow.

My Sapphire CommUnity’s (MSC) Glynis Rathbone said the public support for George as he recovers has been heartwarming to witness.

“It would be fantastic to acknowledge George’s selfless contribution to keep us all safe over so many years. I am proposing that we celebrate this good man with a special ceremony and award him the well-deserved title of community hero.”

Anyone wishing to assist in getting this off the ground can email Glynis at rathbonefamily@gmail.com.