Westville Community policing Forum

WESTVILLE COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM	News Newsworthy items, security advice etc. Input from the community is more than welcome. (Most recent on top). click here "Contact us" to submit feedback, suggestions, comment and/or relevant articles.	We welcome comments and will publish those that are considered to be of general interest.
	NEWS, Comments & Reports <From 1st September 2008> Welcome to Westbeat - The Westville CPF Web site's News page. Your report back pages where you may pass on your good news and your bad news about crime in the Westville CPF area. Your experience will be a warning to others, We welcome your participation. Please include any relevant photo's of collateral damage to your property or your vehicle. Report locations of danger and hijacking. Window smash and grab etc. The whole reason for these web pages is to alert you to the current dangers and to examine your own security set up. Others will benefit from your experience. Prevention will be cheaper in the long run. We will limit the content of this page to about 10 items. The page will then be archived and placed on top of the archive list below. An attempt is made to place items in date order with most recent on top. There is more news on the 'Good News' page...read more < From 1st September 2009 to now> <current> The week starting 24th May is National Child Protection Week. Westville SAPF is doing it's bit.... read more - 23rd May 2010 Call to duty from motivated Westville SAPF member. ....read more - 20th May 2010 The 31st of March 2010 brought a highly distinguished chapter in the Policing of Westville to a close. ...read more - 13th April 2010 Celebration and promotion to Westville's top cop... read more - 2nd April 2010 Pick and Pay Westville donate kit bags to The Safety Net volunteers at Westville Community Policing Forum...read more - 9th December 2009 A refreshing positive attitude with youthful enthusiasm! ...read more - 30th November 2009 Excellent work by Car Guard and good Police response...read more - 30 November 2009 A MESSAGE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON FROM JULIAN CARTER ...read more- December 2009 Inspector Madhan promoted to Detective Captain Linesha Madhan ...read more - 23rd November 2009 Quick Action Arrests... read more - 23rd November 2009 Urgent Help Please... read more - 12th November 2009 Important Notices read more - 12th November 2009 A Quick response by Metro police and arrest of suspect with retrieval of assets...read more - 11th November 2009 Third Arrest Metro/SAPS cooperation...read more - 12th October 2009 Successful Arrests and Recovery of Assets... read more - 5th September 2009 Westville Detective secures conviction for murderer...read more - 29th September 2009 Westville SAPS has a new Super Cop... read more - 18th September 2009 Official Crime statistics for Westville up to March 2009 released... read more - 22nd September 2009 Results of Research on Crime in SA by Dr Rudolf Zinn... read more - 23rd September 2009 Unisa Research Projects - Research on Crime by Dr Rudolf Zinn...read more - 23rd September 2009 Memorial ceremony for the late Inspector Bradley Meyer... read more - 16th September 2009 For older news - VISIT ARCHIVES below (most recent on top) <November 2008 to August 2009> <October 2008 and older> 23rd May 2010 The following is a request sent to the Principals of schools in the Westville area. If the residents can also help their assistance will be appreciated. "Dear Principals Next week, 24 to 30 May is National Child Protection Week. As an initiative, on Saturday 29th, Westville SAPS will be giving out soup, cups and bread to the children of Banana City, the informal settlement on the border of the Durban Westville University. (UKZN-Westville) I have extended a pledge to the community, businesses and now also to schools to invite you to donate clothes, socks, blankets, ANYTHING that we can as a community help the less fortunate children of this settlement. In the past, we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the settlement and its Induna, Mr Majozi, where we have had virtually no crime or any other problems stemming from them. On other occasions when we have handed over food and goods, the people are well behaved, and very grateful for the giving. Mr Majozi and ourselves supervise the distribution so that nothing is wasted and those in need actually receive the donations. I believe this is a truly worthy cause for our collective community. If you are able, please inform parents of our intentions and bid them to contribute to the effort. Any donations can be delivered to the SAPS station or we can collect them from your schools. Please help if you are able. Best regards Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Social Crime Prevention" Office: 031-2677351 Cell: 082 3014163 20th May 2010 Call to duty from motivated Westville SAPF member On the weekend of 15 May, Westville SAP Crime Prevention official, Cst Kathi did what some may call the extraordinary. He was off duty, at home in Kwa Debeka, when a friend of his came and told him some young men were causing trouble at a nearby tavern and that one had a firearm. Cst Kathi immediately phoned 10111, informed them of the problem, ensured a local patrol vehicle was dispatched and told them what he was wearing to differentiate him from the crooks. He then went to the premises to suss out the situation. He was surrounded by approximately five belligerent youths who appeared intent on causing harm to anyone and everyone. Wisely, without displaying his own firearm or status, he asked a few questions and noted who was who and spotted the suspect with the firearm. He casually asked about the gun and got an evasive answer, which told him the person was very likely not the lawful owner of it. Cst Kathi retreated from the tavern and took up a position so that he could both observe what was going on and direct the uniform SAPS who would be arriving shortly. When his on duty colleagues arrived, he pointed out the premises, they entered and found the suspect still in possession of the gun. It turned out the firearm was not licenced and the young man was arrested, charged and would appear in court the next working day. Well done to Cst Kathi for is bravery and dedication to serving the community as a whole even while on his day off. This is a fine example of the dedication and fortitude that is encouraged in all SAPS members. 13th April 2010 The 31st of March 2010 brought a highly distinguished chapter in the Policing of Westville to a close. Superintendent (now Colonel) Dion Michael Singh, the resident Station Commander had been promoted and was moving on to new horizons. During his near 15 years as Station Commander, Colonel Singh was determined to bring new innovations to the policing front in an effort to deliver the best possible service to his community. It was first an eyebrow raiser and later an honour whenever I met a Senior Officer somewhere who asked me what station I was from. The moment I said Westville, the response was almost always “Ah, Dion Singh!” This eventually taught me a couple of things. One, the man had made his mark in the Police Community, and two I was judged favourably by being under him. The yearly venture through KZN of the Comrades Marathon was and will be a big event in the Westville calendar. First, because the route winds its way through our area and second Colonel Singh was and is a regular runner. He has run more Comrades Marathons medals than most of us have years service in the SAPS, and several years ago, qualified for his green number. Every year, as far as I can remember, the Westville members had their regular position on the grass in front of the Fire Station. Sure enough, “The Sup” would come plodding along, always with a massive grin on his face and receive the howling, hooting, cheers and adulations of “Go Dion!, carry on sir, keep it up,” and a couple of times, “can I have leave on Monday?” All he took in is stride (pun intended) and finished in good time, every time. Through the leadership and foresight in the interests of both his members and the Community, Westville SAPS had a lot of “firsts” in the province, if not the country. We introduced the idea of a regular “Bust of the Month” where a deserving member was recognised and rewarded at a CPF meeting for outstanding work. This concept went a long way to keeping up morale as well as keeping the community informed of excellent work done by its Police Officials. Colonel Singh also was the first to install “C-Track” into the police vehicles to aid him in monitoring patrol patterns and as a tool in transparency when it came to Community queries as to where SAPS vehicles were at any given time. This system has since gone national. Westville was one of the very first stations to get trained on the Morpho Touch fingerprint scanner and later the more advanced MCD scanner which helped tremendously in the identifying and arresting of wanted suspects. Station security was always an important factor and Colonel Singh through the co-operation with the CPF had CCTV cameras installed in the Community Service Centre, the cell block and passages, especially outside the vaults and armoury of the station. Col Singh was always extremely dedicated to his Community. Well after working hours he diligently attended street and neighbourhood watch meetings, school meetings and was patrolling himself from early morning to late at night if circumstances demanded. Many members from various stations on channel 15 can testify to “SX-1” calling on the radio at 2 o’clock in the morning. Such was his commitment that he introduced a 24hour Customer Care Number, his own cell phone number, which could be called at any hour and was widely publicised in community press and at CPF meetings. At about 11am on the 22nd October 2008, then Superintendent Dion Singh became a hero in his own right. While travelling on the N2, he noticed a woman, who had broken down on the opposite side of the freeway, being robbed at gunpoint. Col Singh stopped his car, braved six lanes of traffic and fatally shot one of the armed men, thus rescuing the victim. He took this action with humility and barely mentioned it to colleagues or members. Some of us heard about it, however, and decided he needed the recognition he deserved. At the very next Community Policing Forum meeting, we presented him with our own home made certificate reading: “Westville Gentleman’s Hunting Club, for rescuing a damsel in distress, Supt D.M Singh is awarded this day Honorary Life Member” much to the applause of the Community present. I still wonder where he has hung it. Colonel Singh always put family first. If any of us had a crisis or needed time off to go to a school gala or check on our sick wife, he would say “GO”, and this was sincerely appreciated. We recognise and acknowledge the sacrifice he has made over the years when it came to his own family. I don’t believe the Westville Community actually realise that the amount of extra time he spent in the area was time he could have been at home. Such is the man we have loved and lost. To the station he has been promoted to, I wish good luck. They are in for a shock, as too their Community. Here at Westville, we welcome our new commander, Colonel (f) E. Emmanuel. She hails from Hibberdene on the south coast and has dedicated, in her own words, to build upon the sound foundation Colonel Singh has laid. If you have never met Col Singh, come down to Durban and wait outside the Westville Fire Station. When the braai smoke clears, you will see members and family whooping and cheering like school children when our old station father comes jogging through. W/O David Bramley Cst Stephen Clark 2nd April 2010 Westville's top cop gets justly deserved promotion. The Westville Community Policing Forum recently had a celebratory dinner at Chez Nous at Blue Heights, Westville to celebrate Superintendent Dion Singh's promotion to Senior Superintendent. The Chairman of the committee, Kevin Harvey, presented Dion Singh with an award of achievement for his excellent contribution over many years working for the Westville Community and working tirelessly with the Executive Committee of the WCPF. In the photo are Mr Rusty Damp. and Mrs. Maureen Damp and the Guest of honour Senior Superintendent Dion Singh with his wife Pam. 9th December 2009 Press Release: Westville Family Pick & Pay and Peter Clarke's Pharmacy have very kindly donated ten kit bags to Westville Safety Net. The Safety Net are a group of volunteers who are called out by the Westville SAPS to scenes where traumatised victims of crime can be counseled and assisted when making statements. The idea for the sponsorship stemmed from an idea between the Westville SAPS Social Crime Prevention Officer, Cst Stephen Clark; Community Policing Forum Chairman, Mr Kevin Harvey; and Safety Net Chairwoman Mrs Cheryl Robertson. There had been an existing need for Net members, when attending to victims crime and rape survivors, that certain essential pieces of kit were needed. These included rubber gloves, hand sanitiser, disposable underwear, Rescue drops, tissues and other items. Cst Clark approached Mrs Debbie Henry of the Westville Village Mall Pick & Pay with the problem and she gladly came on board to sponsor, with the assistance of Peter Clarke's Pharmacy, fully equipped kit bags for each Safety Net member to use when attending a crime scene. The Westville SAPS Station Commissioner, Supt Dion Singh and CPF Chair Mr Kevin Harvey were overjoyed that local business was committed to helping the worthy, completely volunteer cause. Pictured from left to right: Mrs Debbie Henry, Pick & Pay; Mrs Cheryl Roberton, Safety Net: Mr Kevin Harvey, Westville Community Policing Forum. Best regards Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications, Social Crime Prevention Close up of kit bags 30th November 2009 A refreshing positive attitude with youthful enthusiasm! The Durban Youth Council is made up of Grade 11 pupils from all over Durban who get together and do worthy causes from building class rooms at needy schools to entertaining and socialising with the elderly. On Saturday, (28 November) the DYC conducted a car wash at the Westville SAPS. Both Westville and Pinetown SAPS vehicles were washed and the odd visitor to the station was pleasantly surprised to find that while they were being attended to, their car had also come under the eager soap and sponges wielded by the youth. The occasion was simply a demonstration by the DYC of "giving back" to the SAPS in a small gesture for the efforts the men and women in blue do for the youth of the country. We are currently in the 16 days activism for violence against women and children and the youth of the DYC recognise the role the SAPS has to play in the activism. This coming weekend, the DYC will be locked in the Westville SAPS cells, but not for something they did wrong! They will be painting and decorating a few of the cells. The idea being to transform the dull grey interiors into stimulating and possibly rehabilitating visual images with the 16 days activism theme in mind. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications Social Crime Prevention WCPF090 23rd November 2009 Excellent work by Car Guard and good Police response On Friday evening at approximately 19h30, (27 November) a car guard outside a pub (Waxy’s) in Jan Hofmeyer road, Westville contacted the SAPS in forming them that a white Nissan car with Two Indians males inside had been behaving suspiciously in the road. Inspectors Annelien van Staden and Ronald Clancy of the Crime Prevention Unit went immediately to the place and met with the car guard. Just then, the same vehicle passed by, and the SAPS members followed and watched to see what the occupants were doing. The Nissan stopped opposite an LDV in the Westville Hotel parking lot. The driver got out and appeared to tamper with the door of the LDV. At that point, as the Police approached, the driver noticed them, jumped back in his car and fled the scene with the SAPS in pursuit. The Nissan was forced to stop on St James rd and the two Inspectors searched the occupants and vehicle. Two sharpened Allan Keys were found in their possession and the suspects were subsequently arrested and charged for Possession of Car Breaking Implements. Both accused appeared in court on Monday and the detective investigating the case is to oppose bail as both accused are possibly sought by the SAPS Organised Crime Unit. This was an excellent arrest, resulting from good co-operation and communication with the community. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications WCPF089 December 2009 A MESSAGE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON FROM JULIAN CARTER: I have asked for this space on the web in order to thank those of you who have taken the time to offer me very flattering congratulations on the content of my articles for the Newsletters, over a period of about four years, and now on the web site. The fact that so many of you seem to enjoy reading my thoughts on crime related matters makes it even sadder that Gert is at present unable to continue with any of the four monthly publications that he was producing. This is unfortunately a direct sign of the economic times that we live in. I continue to investigate other avenues for any article on crime, and in particular hints on the avoidance of becoming a victim, at the moment without success. Should anyone reading this have any bright ideas, please feel free to contact me on 084 488 8070. MAY I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY FESTIVE SEASON. 23rd November 2009 Linisha Madhan joined the SAP in 1990 and was posted to the Westville station as a Constable. She worked administration and was the exibits clerk before leading a relief in the Charge office. In 1998, she moved to the Detective branch and has worked there faithfully ever since. This last week, Inspector Madhan received the good news that her application for promotion had been approved and she was appointed as a Detective Captain. She says she is delighted with the promotion and is extremely happy to continue working here in Westville. It has taken her 19 years of dedicated service but her devotion to her work and the Westville Community has finally paid off. Superintendent Dion Singh, Westville SAPS Station Commissioner, said he was extremely proud of Lenisha and her accomplishments during her career. We all wish her well in her new post and look forward to the leadership, guidance and experience she can offer junior members. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications 23rd November 2009 Quick Action Arrests Today, the quick action by a homeowner in Westville North who spotted a suspect trying to break into a house helped bring the Westville SAPS Crime Prevention Unit's arrest total to four in two days. The 18 year old suspect was spotted trying to flee the scene by the rapid responding police and arrested. Yesterday, Security officials for Westwood mall were chasing three suspects for theft and the same members from Westville SAPS were called and initially two were arrested. After a brief search in the mall itself, the third suspect was aprehended. All three were still in possession of clothing items which had been stolen from a shop in the mall. Captain Rakesh Maharaj the Unit commander said that the dedication and commitment by his team is what brought about the successes in Westville. Detectives are investigating the cases and the suspects are due to appear in Pinetown court soon. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications SDC WCPF088 12th November 2009 Urgent Help Please Here are some suspect vehicles the Supt has given me. The occupants are possibly linked to theft out of cars and theft of cars in our area, specifically hire cars. It is strongly suspected these two individuals work together and are from Sydenham. The two suspects are coloured males. Both large frame, very short cropped hair and allegedly very confident and aggressive individuals. The vehicles they are known to drive: Dark green Golf 5, ND 514 001 Blue BMW, NUR 46750 White BMW, ND 610 286 Maroon BMW ND 2184 Grey (Silver?) Honda Civic, GP reg. Please DO NOT to confront these suspects, but report suspicious activity, specially around shopping malls, immediately to the SAPS. If we can catch these characters in the act or in possession of stolen goods, it will make a good impact on crime in the area. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications 11th November 2009 Important Notice(s) 1. The executive committee of the Westville CPF has been advised that housebreak-ins are up 100% on last year for October. The Westville SAPF's commissioner Dion Sigh will talk about this disturbing statistic at the next public meeting on Tuesday 17th November 2009 at the Baptist Church Hall in Church Avenue opposite the Spar starting at 18h00. It is very disturbing that 85% of these crimes could have been avoided at little or no cost. Is Westville being targeted due to the fact that the criminals have noticed how negligent many residents are in our area? Are we inviting the criminal element to exploit the easy pickings? Why should our SAPF and Metro Police be burdened by having to deal with crimes that are due to our negligence when their efforts could be utilised solving more serious crimes? 2. At this meeting a limited number of informative booklets titled "Against Crime Together" published by the SAPF will be distributed. These are very well structured with loads of practical guidelines and general information. 3. It is unfortunate that most of those attending the CPF meetings are indeed victims of crime. It is really worthwhile for others to become proactive before becoming a victim of crime. There are no fees payable and no CPF duties that are imposed upon the public. The simple purpose is to get to understand what crime there is and how to reduce your personal risk. 4. The Westville CPF invites those who have recently become victims of crime to come to the meeting and see for themselves what is being done and as importantly see how they can reduce their exposure through knowledge. Hope to see you there! Andy Tribe (Editorial comment) Received 11th November 2009 A Quick response by Metro police and arrest of suspect with retrieval of assets At 10: 45, a member of the community of Westville phoned the Police to report a suspect had been seen jumping over a wall into a property on Aylesbury Rd today. (Wednesday 2009-11-11) Both a Metro Dog Unit and the SAPS Westville Crime Prevention responded immediately. The Metro members, Inspector Manuel Jardine and Constable Pierre Matthee, arrived first on the scene and thanks to the thorough description given by the complainant, immediately recognised the suspect as he was exiting the property with a bag of stolen goods. Despite warnings to surrender, the suspect attempted to flee, was brought down by the Metro Police dog, and arrested. He was found in possession of two laptop computers and power cables. The eighteen year old suspect was detained at Westville SAPS. Further investigation is taking place and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon. Station Commissioner Superintendent Singh praised the efforts of the Metro Police members, stating that this was a fine example of the close co-operation that was enjoyed by the Police Services and benefited by the community of Westville. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications WCPF086 Received 12th October 2009 Third Arrest Metro/SAPS Cooperation The Westville community enjoys a close co-operation between the SAPS and Metro Police Service. Often the two join forces at roadblocks, and other crime operations. The interaction and understanding bore fruit this weekend with the arrest of three suspects for housebreaking in Westville. On Sunday 11 October at 12h00, Constables Mbuso Mkhize and Sbusiso Mthethwa of the Westville SAPS were patrolling on Maryvale road when they were flagged down by a community member. He said that he had just seen three suspects entering a property opposite them. As the two alighted form their vehicle, the three suspects ran out of the driveway. The two SAPS Constables chased them on foot along Lancaster Terrace and onto the M-13 highway. The suspects had a lead and the two fit Policemen tried to close the distance. On the M-13, the suspects were spotted by Westville Metro Police Constables Sibonsiso Khumalo and Mike Hlope, who were also patrolling, and were cornered. The trio of suspects were arrested and it was later established that the house on Maryvale road had indeed been broken into. This is the second instance in three weeks where Metro Police have assisted the SAPS in the capture of criminals and the third arrest in two months for Westville SAPS Cst Mbuso Mkhize. The Community can be assured of this sort of excellent work in the future. Station Commissioner, Superintendent Dion Singh expressed his appreciation for the close working relationship his members enjoy with Metro and is especially proud of Cst Mkhize’s achievements. The suspects are due to be charged and will appear in Pinetown Court soon. Pictured from left to right: Constables Mkhize and Mthethwa of the SAPS and Constables Khumalo and Hlope of the Metro Police Service. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications Social Crime Prevention WCPF084 Received 5th September 2009 Successful Arrests and Recovery of Assets The vigilance of one member of the Westville community has helped bust a gang of housebreakers wide open. At approximately 2:15 on Sunday afternoon, Mr Ian van der Linden of Tullibardine Road in Westville North, saw three suspects come out of his neighbour’s yard and jump into a Silver Toyota Yaris and drive away fast. He memorised the registration number and after confirming his suspicions that the men had broken into the house, phoned the Westville SAPS. Constables Mark Morris and Leigh Johnson of the Crime Prevention unit arrived on the scene within minutes and circulated the registration number and description of the vehicle over the Police radio. Shortly thereafter, Sgt Ashraf Mohammed and Cst Sabelo Xaba of the SAPS Durban Dog Unit spotted the same vehicle in Chesterville and arrested the three suspects. The Westville Crime Prevention, led by Captain Rakesh Maharaj, met up with the Dog Unit and recovered suspected stolen cell phones in the vehicle. Their investigations led them to a house in Chesterville where three Plasma TVs, two other TVs and other items including clothing and a computer printer were recovered. Several safes were also stolen from the house and were found broken open in a deep canal near the N-3 freeway. Several kilograms of valuable coins that were in the safes were also recovered in the river. Further information gleaned from informants on Monday led the Crime Prevention team to another house belonging to one of the suspects and a Norinco 9mm firearm with its serial numbers filed off was recovered. Detective Inspector Sean Lessing of SAPS Westville has linked the suspects to at least three housebreaking cases so far, but expects to link them to more as the investigation proceeds. Presently, the estimated value of the property recovered nears R150 000. The three suspects will be charged and appear in Pinetown court. Station Commissioner Superintendent Dion Singh was extremely pleased with the Crime Prevention team’s breakthrough. He said that it was all possible because a community member was alert, diligent in remembering the registration number and took the responsibility of reporting his suspicions to the Police timeously. He emphasised that the spirit of neighbours looking out for each other was encouraged in the Westville area and this was a prime example where it paid off in a big way. Police Service. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications Social Crime Prevention WCPF083 Received 29th September 2009 Westville Detective secures conviction for murderer On the 24th of January 2008 at about 21:00, the owner of a house Faraway Place in Westville, who was away on holiday, received a phone call from his neighbour, informing him that he had seen the gardener Goodenough Radebe, in the company of another unknown black male driving out the driveway in the owner’s silver Alpha Romeo. The owner confirmed that he did not give permission to his gardener to use the vehicle. The neighbour then contacted the SAPS, who arrived, but everything seemed to be in order. There was no forced entry into the main house and the doors were securely locked. That same evening, the homeowner returned home and discovered that their domestic worker, Miss Balungile Khathi was missing and her cell phone was on voice mail. The next morning on Friday 25th January 2008, a case docket was opened and D/Insp Thulani Dludla was the detective on call and visited the scene. He discovered traces of blood on the garage floor and in the kitchen area of the home. An “Okapi” knife with blood stains on it was found in the laundry area, along with a pepper spray canister. The exhibits were removed for examination by an investigator from the SAPS laboratory. That same day, the homeowner received a phone call from the Security Manager of SAPPI at Highflats informing him that his Alfa Romeo had been found. According to the SAPPI Security Manager, the boot of the Alfa contained blood stains. Under instruction from D/Insp Dludla, the SAPS in Highflats towed the Alfa Romeo to their pound and contacted LCRC to conduct an examination on it. D/Insp Dludla also made enquiries with the missing maid’s family members, whether they had heard from her but they reported to him that she had not contacted them. On Monday 28th January 2008, through continued investigation, D/Insp Dludla found a woman who was a friend of the suspect. He managed to convince her to contact the suspect to find out his whereabouts. Shortly thereafter, D/Insp Dludla along with a fellow detective, D/Insp Justice Duma arrested the suspect, Goodenough Radebe. The suspect broke down under questioning and indicated he was willing to co-operate and point out where the deceased maid’s charred body was. Members from the Organised Crime Investigation Units in Chatsworth and Cato Manor assisted in conducting the pointing out. The remains of the burnt, charred body of Lungeleni Ernestina Mchunu were pointed out by the suspect in a sugar cane plantation at the Umzinto Reserve. The Induna of the Kwa Mgaje Reserve, Mr Ngwanbe, where the accused resided, was very helpful with the investigations. He found out about two persons who had been approached by the Accused’s mother to board a taxi and go to Westville to assist her son, the accused, to dispose of Lungeleni’s body in any manner possible. They had refused. The Induna also gave information with regard to a third person who eventually agreed to come and assist the Accused to dispose of the body. Cst Stephen Clark SAPS Westville Communications Social Crime Prevention WCPF082 Received 18th September 2009 Westville SAPS has a new Super Cop Constable Mbuso (M.E.) Mkhize is making sterling efforts to curb crime in Westville. Not a week after arresting two suspects who broke into Ultra Liquors, he was on duty again with Cst (f) Ncapa patrolling the area. They received a complaint of a housebreaking in progress in Ferndale road and rushed to the scene. When they arrived, the two police officials were informed by a neighbour and construction workers outside that they had seen a suspect enter the premises and they knew the homeowner was not home. Seconds later, an ADT Security guard arrived, and led by Cst Mkhize, the trio penetrated the house via a window which had been smashed in. Cst Mkhize trapped the suspect in the house and placed him under arrest. The suspect was already wearing shoes stolen in the house. He had allegedly also tried to break into the upper floor to get access to a laptop and clothing, but could not get the items through an inter-leading security gate. The suspect was detained at Westville SAPS and charged for housebreaking and theft. Well done again Cst Mkhize and Cst Ncapa and to ADT Security for their fast response and support. Pictured: left, Cst (f) Ncapa and right, Cst Mkhize. WCPF081 Received 23rd September 2009 SAPS Crime statistics for Westville released! The South African Police Services released the official crime statistics yesterday the 22nd of September 2009. The Westville SAPS statistics are presented below as an image of the original document on the SAPS website. If you require the original from the SAPS website ...click here. The information provided on the SAPS website is downloadable in .pdf format together with a comprehensive list for all areas. WESTVILLE BELOW WCPF080 Received 23rd September 2009 Research on Crime Findings from Dr Rudolf Zinn Dr. Rudolph Zinn of the School of Criminal Justice at UNISA did intensive research on residential robberies and attacks, and interviewed many arrested and convicted robbers. Some of his findings are alarming, some are surprising - but they are all well worth taking note of. Then make your own conclusion and beef up your ideas and security where necessary. 1. During the past year, house robberies increased by 13,5%. 2. Of the almost 15 000 residential robberies committed in 2008, half (50%) took place in Gauteng. 3. The average age of a house robber is between 19 and 26 years. 4. An average of 30% of all house robbers have either committed murder, or won't hesitate to commit murder. 5. Only 17% of house robbers are foreigners. 6. Of all arrested robbers, 90% had no matric or were unemployed. 7. The 10% who had been employed, gave up their jobs when confirming how much they could "earn" from a robbery. 8. Most victims or targets are affluent persons who openly display their wealth, e.g. expensive cars, jewellery, up market homes. 9. Much intelligence is gathered about the target home and its residents by means of inside information supplied by domestic workers. 10. 80% of residential robberies are committed with the help of information from domestic workers, gardeners and former employees. 11. The robbers will monitor the home and movements for as long as is needed to formulate a plan of attack - sometimes up to two weeks. 12. All gangs research and monitor the response times of armed response companies. 13. Most attacks occur between 19:00 and midnight as people are relaxed, busy cooking or watching TV, & security systems and beams are not activated. Robberies continue until 04:00 in the morning. 14. The biggest deterrent confirmed by robbers themselves, are small dogs that are kept inside the home. 15. Alarm systems and armed reaction services are not considered a deterrent. Electric fences, closed-circuit TV (CCTV) and detection beams do, however, deter robbers. 16. An average of R5 000 is stolen during each robbery. 17. Surprisingly, victims of house robberies are only seriously injured in 2% of all incidents. 18. Only 35% of robbers stole for basic needs (hunger, poverty), while 65% enjoyed the money and spent it on clothes, cars, etc. 19. The average robber commits 103 robberies over seven years before being caught. 20. A staggering 97% of all robbers are armed and on average there are four members in an armed robbery gang. 21. Most attackers' homes or bases are a 10 to 30 minute drive from the target address. 22. Women are more often tortured or hurt during house robberies. 23. The conviction rate for house robberies in South Africa is only 7.67%. In the USA it is 53%. While these statistics and facts may be disturbing, even alarming, UASA trusts that it may sharpen the vigilance of each member. If you have safety measures at your home, ensure that they are in place. Test your security equipment regularly... never be complacent and think that it only happens to other people. WCPF079 Received 23rd September 2009 Unisa Research Projects - Research in SA crime Crime remains one of the key challenges facing South Africa, while burglaries in particular are on the rise. Unisa’s Dr Rudolf Zinn, Senior Lecturer in Forensics Investigations has conducted more research into the nature of the scourge that’s plaguing the country. Although the latest statistics released by the SAPS (South African Police Services) have shown that the crime wave in murder and rape are on a downward spiral, a more disturbing category is on the rise. Government has welcomed the decreases but is still concerned that the levels of crime continue to be very high as the country prepares to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. According to the SAPS, house robberies have increased by 13.5 percent compared to the previous year. Dr Rudolph Zinn who is a Senior Lecturer in Forensics Investigations at Unisa, highlighted in his research the modus operandi used by burglars. “There is wide information that house robbers use to have access to a targeted house. Inside information is of great importance to them and they usually approach people who have that information,” says Zinn. According to Zinn, an estimated 77% of robbers have inside information and they go into great efforts to obtain such information. The information would be about money kept in the house and jewellery. This impacts widely on the people who work or sell from home. Many of the robbers appear under false pretences and even go to the extent of bringing the targeted home under observation for up to two weeks including conducting visits on the home at night when the occupants are inside their house. Robbers are highly experienced and would often look through the windows to see who is inside the room. The room often becomes the target which is used as part of a plan as an escape room. “Robbers these days use a lot of force, foul language, point fi re arms and pistols to intimidate the victim. They use torture and concentrate mainly on women and children. They would overpower the victims, bring them into one room and often ask where money is kept in the house. They know that people hide valuables in more than one room. Unfortunately, time spent inside is often conducive enough to turn into rape because they have all the time.” Zinn in his research discovered that security at the house can be an obstacle according to the many criminals interviewed. Basic things such as small dogs, especially those kept in the house can be the biggest deterrent. Dogs always alert you of any movement. A big fence also poses difficulty when entering the house. Alarm systems also play a crucial role and very often know when people switch off their alarms. Those are the times between 5:00-8:00 in the morning and 18:00 – 23:00. He advises that alarms should be switched off only inside but not at the outside doors or doors leading to the exterior. Increasing the perimeter of the alarm system is also important criminals often get their weapons and equipment to break into the house from the garages of the victims. Zinn advises that victims should cooperate fully with the robbers. The victims should not make any noise or produce fi rearms. The best is to do what they want you to do, listen as well because they will give you instructions on what to do. Once robbers are inside the house, it is often too late to do something in self defence. Youth in South Africa are very violent and the profile of the criminal is alarming. It is estimated that highjackers and robbers in South Africa are between the ages of 19 and 26. This article was sourced from the UNISA Alumni newsletter "alumni_link_issue2_08.pdf" it was authored by Dr. Rudolph Zinn of the School of Criminal Justice at UNISA WCPF078 Received 16th September 2009 Inspector Bradley Meyer Memorial Ceremony The Westville SAPS and Community Policing Forum was privy to a deeply emotional ceremony on Friday (16 September) when they were invited to tea with the family of the late Inspector Bradley Meyer who was killed on duty in Gauteng. Insp Meyer had served with distinction for several years in the Durban area and until his tragic death, with the Flying Squad in Gauteng. Inspector Meyer is survived by his Parents, John and Carol Meyer who reside in Westville and his daughter, Tegan Storme Meyer who is currently studying in Thailand. The Meyer family donated a bench at the Springfield headquarters of the SPCA and a plaque was attached in Bradley’s memory. Mrs Carol Meyer welcomed everybody present and gave a short speech as tea and scones were served in the SPCA Café. S/Cst NF Malinga After the family had inspected the bench, the Westville SAPS Crime Prevention conducted a surprise parade in Insp Meyer’s honour by handing over a bunch of flowers to his mother. The SAPS, countrywide see themselves as a brother and sisterhood and the loss of one of their strength is felt by all. This simple act of showing respect to the family of those who have fallen is a proud, time honoured tradition and was deeply appreciated by the family present. Representing the Westville CPF was Mr Andy Tribe and (below) The SAPS, Cst SD Clark, and S/Cst’s MV Ngcobo and NF Malinga, S/Cst (f) NF Khanyile. WCPF075


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