Police create awareness on vigilantism
Police are probing a possible vigilante incident after the body of a man was found in Clairwood.
IN an effort to address vigilantism which led to the murder of a man in Clairwood, Brighton Beach police held an anti-vigilantism educational campaign at Pine Road Bridge in Clairwood.
Titled ‘If you see something, do something!’. The campaign kicked off at 06:00 on Tuesday, June 14, and served to create awareness on vigilantism and the laws around it.
Communications officer of the Brighton Beach SAPS, Captain Louise le Roux, said police were probing the possible vigilante incident after the body of a man was found in Clairwood on Saturday, June 4, by police officers from Brighton Beach, who were conducting routine blue light patrols within the sector of Clairwood at about 22:20.
Upon conducting a slow patrol near 310 Jacobs Road, members on patrol reportedly noticed a person lying on the road alongside the pavement and upon closer inspection, they discovered the individual was an adult man, who had sustained multiple stab wounds. He was deceased.
The identity of the deceased became known as police engaged bystanders. The sentiment of those bystanders indicated that they were pleased that the individual was deceased, as they claimed that he was a killer and a menace to society. Community members on scene refused to cooperate with SAPS members.
Multiple security companies joined members of Brighton Beach SAPS to distribute 1 500 fliers to commuters and pedestrians which explained vigilantism and why it occurs in communities.
“Police also discouraged community members from engaging in acts of lawlessness, while calling for the community’s cooperation to address crime. It also discourages community members to act on rumours being circulated within their community,” said Le Roux.
The flyer provided contact details of role players that can be engaged to report criminality should they not feel comfortable to share information directly with the police. These included community safety and liaison, community policing forum structures within the policing precinct, as well as the SAPS Crime Stop Tip-Off Line, 08600 10111 and SAPS Anonymous SMS Hotline: 32211.
In addition, the Brighton Beach Detective Unit contact details were provided to enable complainants to obtain updates on their pending criminal matters being investigated before they become despondent and commit acts of lawlessness.
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“The collaboration by role players was a social responsibility initiative to create community cooperation and safer public spaces within the Clairwood residential, business and industrial sector. We acknowledge the overwhelming operational support the SAPS received on the day from the security industry; Proficient Tactical Security, Fidelity ADT, Blue Security, ET Security, Professional Risk and Security Solutions (PRSS) and First Plan Protection Services. Together, we can achieve more,” Le Roux said.
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