THE recent spate of attacks on the elderly in the Ward 8 area has compelled the ward councillor and various other stakeholders to hold a crime summit to discuss the issue.
The summit, which was held at the office of councillor Gustav Rautenbach last Monday, was attended by Metro Police Chief Yolande Faro with senior officials, representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) of Kabega Park and Walmer, four neighbourhood watches, and two private security companies.
On top of the agenda was the way forward and how to approach the surge of criminal activities within the ward and the neighbouring Ward 6.
“We have decided to focus on these areas by implementing heightened security measures and various special operations of which we cannot reveal the details at this time,” Rautenbach explained.
“While we are doing this, we also want to encourage all residents to improve their own security measures.
“Members of the community should be vigilant when they are approached by someone at their home who claims to be there to check the water metres, or geysers or such,” said Rautenbach.
“Residents should insist that an identification card is shown.
“On that ID card should be a number to call his or her office to confirm whether this person is indeed there for that service.
“If a resident is still not comfortable with letting that person into their home, he or she can take a photo of the metre with that person’s cellphone while they wait outside.”
Rautenbach also urged community members to get involved with their respective neighbourhood watches to stay abreast of happenings around them.
For more information the councillor’s office can be contacted on 041 368 7008 or ward8@mandelametro.gov.za
