Safety – Pretoria.ws

SAPS is looking the other way as no active steps are being taken to prevent the wave of crime that is ravishing parts of Kameeldrift, East in Pretoria

Despite a wave of crime that ravages Kameeldrift East in Pretoria, it seems that the SAPS is simply looking the other way, as no active steps are being taken to provide badly needed relief for this agricultural community. AfriForum launched several actions to support this besieged area in its battle to call the SAPS to account to ensure that the local police station functions properly to effectively help the community. Among other, AfriForum launched a court application to compel the community to send reservists for the prescribed training to enable them to supplement the understaffed police station. AfriForum also monitors the investigation of various cases, among them that of former Springbok Naka Drotské, who was injured during a farm attack on his brother’s smallholding. Another is that of Manie Entres, whose wife was murdered in his presence. In both cases, the SAPS investigative abilities were shocking. AfriForum has already voiced its dissatisfaction in a lette…

Pretoria hijacking hotspots identified

With people getting ready for the upcoming holiday season, it is natural to be slightly more relaxed at this time of the year. Relaxation mode, however, might be the worst thing to do while behind the wheel during the holiday and festive season. Hijackings, common as they are, tend to happen more frequently during the festive season. Motorists in and around the city are required to be more vigilant at all times to avoid becoming a statistic. It is also advisable for motorists to familiarise themselves with hijacking hotspots. Compiled by the SAPS, various tracking companies and the South African crime intelligence bureau, Pro-ActiveSA made an all-in-one list of hijacking hotspot areas. Pro-ActiveSA said: “It will provide the reader with a visual overview of areas to be most aware of.” Areas and streets prone to hijacking occurrences include: – Es’kia Mphahlele Drive – Paul Kruger Street – R55 – Burnett Street – Delfi Avenue and Garsfontein Ro…

This is when your home is most likely to be broken into in South Africa

Home robbery and housebreaking are among the most frightening and dangerous crimes to experience. It is frightening because it violates our private space and the one place that we think of as our sanctuary. According to the latest report released by Statistics South Africa, Exploring the extent of and circumstances surrounding housebreaking/burglary and home robbery, the general crime rate in terms of the proportion of households that experience crime has been declining during the last five years. This reality, however, has not quelled the growing perception that crime is on the increase in South Africa, the stats body said. Over 50% of all crimes experienced by households in South Africa in 2015/16 were housebreaking. Home robbery (11.9%) was the second most common type of crime experienced by South African households. Whites had the highest rates of victimisation compared to other groups both in 2011 and 2015/16. However, whites experienced the sharpest decline of househ…

Pretend to be a skelm and secure your home against burglars

According to the UK's Home Office Statistics, home owners are twice as likely to be burgled within 12 months of moving homes. "In South Africa, it is more than likely that this is true as home owners are unfamiliar with the 'weak' spots in their home security," says Mary-Jane Lefevre; call centre manager at ooba (formerly MortgageSA). "Safety will always be a priority in South Africa," says Lefevre. "Securing your home should be one of the first things you do when you move into a new home." When moving into a new home 'act like a skelm' suggests Lefevre. "Carefully case out your new home as a potential target," says Lefevre. "Try all the access points such as gates, windows, doors and even the roof to see if there are any potential entries." The most valuable asset a burglar has is time, so any preventative measure installed to delay his entrance is beneficial. "Tidy up your garden," says Lefevre. "Having a tidy, trim garden will make it more difficult for…