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Volume 4 Issue 6

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ISSN 2222-0313

TOP COP THRILLED WITH EVENT

BURGLAR bROUGHT TO bOOK

LAKEWEST

RCP

01 June 2011

GATE MOTORS -YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE

Benoni Cluster get Mobile Unit After months of planning and preparation, the Women’s Network, SAPS Operational Vehicle and Support Academy Benoni were ready, willing and able to hand over a mobile unit for use by the Benoni Cluster. This event took place on Saturday 28 May 2011, starting at Lakeside Mall in the morning with a handing over ceremony. The mobile unit was firstly handed over by Col Thambo to Lt Gen Mpembe from Province before being handed over to Divisional Commissioner Lt Gen Mbekela, Human Resources Development, who in turn officially handed over the unit to the Cluster Commander, Brig S Venter. This mobile unit will be utilised to take the SAPS to the people who cannot reach the police station. Once the formalities were over, a motorcade (with lights and sirens) made its way from Lakeside Mall to Apex Sports Grounds. Various units took part in the motorcade, including SAPS, EMPD, Gauteng Traffic, SANDF, CMS, Precinct paramedics, Precinct chaplaincy, ER24, iThemba Rape & Trauma Support Centre, East Rand Bikers, ADT and various other organisations. About 100 metres from the Sports Grounds, the SAPS Gauteng brass band lead the motorcade parade into the Stadium. Once keynote speeches had been made by the various dignatories in attendance, members of the public were treated to displays by the various SAPS units to showcase just what the SAPS has to offer. The role of Master of Ceremonies was then handed over to celebrity Paul Rotherham. A simulated exercise was staged, where 3 suspects hijacked a vehicle and were ‘chased’ by members of the SAPS. It was all very exciting, particularly when an SAPS helicopter landed and members climbed out and arrested the suspects who had hidden in a shed. During the exercise, one of the suspects was ‘shot’ and ER24 were called to the scene to attend to his wound. K9 Metro Police gave a skills demonstration with their dogs. An aerobics demonstration was given courtesy of the SAPS fitness programme. Drum majorettes strutted their stuff. SAPS equestrian unit gave a demonstration. Representatives of SA Strongman showed their strength and ability. There were various stalls surrounding the sports field. Children were treated to a ride around the sports grounds in the SAPS Nyalas as well as SANDF vehicles Donations collected during the event will be distributed to charitable organizations such as CDF Children’s Home, Barcelona Primary and Benoni Welfare. Well done and thank you to all who took part in this wonderful and exciting event. Your hard work and efforts paid off and we believe the entire day was a complete success.

Are Are you you safe safe under under your your roof? roof? Be sure with Mannys! Timber Supplies

PCN 01 June 2011

From the Editor Top cop thrilled with event At the risk of repeating ourselves once again, just a quick reminder to residents not to leave valuable goods in plain sight in your vehicle. Theft out of motor vehicles continues to plague us as we continue to give criminals this opportunity. People also leave laptops and handbags near an open window, making it extremely easy for the criminals to take, without even having to break into your home. We appeal to everyone to take a few extra seconds just to move your valuables to an area that is not accessible through an open window. Over the next few months we would like to hear from residents about anyone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, be it a member of the SAPS, EMPD or a member of the public. There are so many Good Samaritans out there in our communities. We’d like to hear about them. Again, if you have any particular topic you’d like us to cover in the PCN, just drop us a line. As this is a community newspaper, we’d like to include any issues that are relevant to our members. Tell us your story!

Lt Gen Nobulele Mbekela, the SAPS Divisional Commissioner Human Resources Development, who was the highest ranked police officer at the SAPS Operational Vehicle and Support Academy Benoni Women’s Network charity event at the Apex Sports Grounds, was thrilled with the event organised by the SAPS newly

established Women’s Network. “Women are powerful and are changing lives,” said Mbekela. “The event just demonstrates the power of women within the SAPS and women in general.” She added that the management of the SAPS needs to take the Women’s Network seriously and support them in all their endeavours.

“It is not by guns only that we can eradicate crime because as women we have a gift to reach out and win the hearts of our children.” “These criminals are somebody’s children.” She added that by getting to the root causes of crime i.e. the upbringing of children moral values can be instilled.

The Ekurhuleni Children’s Choir Appeal for Donation Overview The Ekurhuleni Children’s Choir is a multi-cultural choir that was established in 2005. The choir comprises 44 members between ages 9 to 16 years, representing some 25 schools in Boksburg, Kwa-Thema, Benoni, Daveyton, Springs, Geluksdal, Heidelberg, Tsakane and Brakpan. Mission The mission of the choir is to provide children from various lifestyles and cultural backgrounds with an opportunity to acquire basic life skills through the medium of music. With music as motivator, we foster positive behaviour, cooperation, respect and communication skills, thereby making a difference in the lives of children through musical excellence. The Ekurhuleni Children’s Choir Tour If we are able to raise the funds by the end of June, we will be to participating in the 65th Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in North Wales in July 2011. – This event is an International Music Festival bringing together the world to sing and dance in an unparalleled spirit of friendship and goodwill. It is widely regarded as the world’s finest festival of its kind. Solely parents fund the choir, and the sad fact of the matter is that a significant number of our choristers are unable to pay the normal fees, transportation costs and uniforms let alone meet the challenge of raising the finances for a tour of this nature. We are sure that you will agree that this is an opportunity of a lifetime, and we appeal to you as a possible sponsor, to partner with us in making their dream a reality. Cape Town The Choir has been invited to Cape Town on 1st June 2011 to sing in Parliament on Children’s Day. Whilst they are in Cape Town, they have been asked to perform at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. This is a great honour for the Choir.

Is the CPF a partner in policing?

ow vital is the Community Police Forum to the SAPS? This is the question posed by the chairman of the Benoni Community Police Forum (CPF), Reza Patel. With the exclusion of the Benoni CPF in the Health and Safety Awareness event held on May 28 by the SAPS Operational Vehicle and Support Academy Benoni Women’s Network the question has been raised on how important a partner the CPF is to the police.

“The event was initiated and conducted exclusively by the police and selected partners,” said Patel. “We were in meetings with the police since March and were never notified, informed or advised regarding the event since then. “When you come to someone’s house who should you go to first?” he asked. The event saw the SAPS joining hands with the relevant internal and external stakeholders including security companies, the EMPD

and even strongmen from Springs participating. However the Benoni CPF were omitted from this SAPS showcase occasion. “We were never brought into the picture and were just an afterthought,” said Patel. “We therefore took a decision, as the Benoni CPF, to boycott the event.” He added that there is no bigger partner to the police than the Benoni CPF, which has got over 600 fully uniformed members who Patel described as “The Pride of Benoni.”

The Precinct Community News is published by The Joint Precincts. Contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk. The Joint Precincts do not accept responsibility for material lost. The Joint Precincts reserve the right to make changes to any material Tel : 011-578-5652 submitted for publication. All rights reserved. All Fax : 086 683 7228 crime statistics are those logged by the community control room and are used with permission of the Joint Email: info@thepcn.co.za Precincts. The views & opinions expressed in this www.thepcn.co.za publication are not necessarily those of the Join our group on facebook! newspaper. Reproduction without written permission of the Editor is strictly prohibited. Just do a search for The Precinct Community News To enquire about reproduction of any material contained in this publication please e-mail info@thepcn.co.za. CODE OF CONDUCT: This newspaper has Editor committed itself to report news truthfully and Tel : 011-578-5674 accurately, and to publish comment that is fair, in Design & Layout accordance with the highest standards of journalism, Tel : 011-578-5624 as set out in the Press Code of South Africa. Complaints that this code has been breached may be Tel: 011-578-5668 lodged with the office of the Press Ombudsman. Advertising Written complaints with a copy of the report concerned Marc Lombard may be sent to the press ombudsman at fax 011 484 3612 or e-mail khanyim@ombudsman.org.za Tel: 074-338-1439

THE PRECINCT COMMUNITY NEWS

PCN 01 June 2011

GNCP

Burglar brought to book

ur patrolmen in the GNCP area made a quick arrest after responding to an activated alarm in Seventh Avenue, Northmead on May 26. On arrival at the scene two of our patrolmen entered the premises and found that the front door had been kicked down. While searching the house they came across a suspect who was in the process of stealing items in one of the bedrooms. He had set off the alarm and took a big risk by not exiting the property immediately. This is when our patrolmen pounced and captured the suspect. He alleged that he is from Daveyton and claimed that he was in the house because he was hungry and was looking for food. Benoni SAPS were called out to the scene and duly apprehend the young suspect who, when searched, was found to have a wrist watch and jewellery belonging to the resident in his pocket.

Our reaction officers Craig Long and Dino Guiotto flank a young suspect who they nabbed whilst breaking into a home in Seventh Avenue, Northmead, on May 26.

Phoney geyser repairmen rob house

domestic worker was the victim of an armed house robbery in Hartshorne Street, Rynfield, on May 25. Her employers had informed her that some men were coming around to have a look at and repair the geyser at the house. When three men arrived in a white Golf and mentioned that they were there to repair the geyser she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to let them in. This is when one of the men withdrew a 9mm handgun, held it to her head and locked her in a

RCP

room. The suspects then had the run of the house and helped themselves to computers, a TV and jewellery before making off. The real geyser repairman arrived at the scene after the robbery so it appears that the suspects could have had inside information. We urge residents to check with the companies who employ these people and request identification if you believe something to be suspicious. We also encourage residents to inform their domestic workers about incidents such as the one above and to apply the same safety precautions when dealing with anyone who visits your property.

PCN 01 June 2011

Schools

Women are from Venus

Some household tips: Sanitize a chopping block Run a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect. Remove tough food stains from plastic and light-colored wooden cutting boards Slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water. Fade tea stains on cloth. Dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Use an eyedropper or a Q-tip to make sure the juice targets the stain. Thoroughly flush with cool water. Relieve a sore throat. Cut a lemon in half. Skewer one half over a medium flame on a gas stove or an electric burner set on high and roast until the peel

turns golden brown. Let cool slightly, then mix the juice with 1 teaspoon of honey. Swallow the mixture. Whiten fingernails Rub a wedge on the surface of your nails. Shine the interior of copper cookware Sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub. Brighten laundry whites Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle of a normal-size load. All purpose cleaning For all purpose cleaning around the house, try some lemon juice. You can use it full strength or diluted with some water depending on the job. Cleaning glass For an easy glass cleaner, pour a quarter cup of vinegar or rubbing alcohol into a quart of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and go to work. You’ll get a quick and easy clean with no streaks.

Men are from Mars How to Patch A Radiator Hose

Steam hissing from a ruptured radiator hose? Here’s a relatively easy, temporary fix with duct tape. Wait for the engine to cool off. Open the hood and locate the source of the steam--i.e., the rupture (A). Clean and dry the area around the fissure; the tape won’t stick as well on a damp, dirty surface. Wrap 2 to 3 in. of duct tape around the hose over the hole; press firmly (B). Overwrap the patch (the hose will be under intense pressure) from 2 to 3 in. above the original piece to about 2 or 3 in. below, then work your way back (C). Check your radiator level before cranking the engine. If it’s seriously low and you don’t have a can of coolant, use water or, in an emergency, diet soda. Avoid using fruit juice or anything with sugar or acids in it. It’ll corrode the radiator and hoses.

r e n r o C

Wheels Day will once again be hosted at Benoni High School on 4 June. The Benoni Heritage Vehicle and Engine club will be displaying over 150 modified heritage vehicle, guaranteed to delight

car enthusiasts. There will be an array of new cars on display from assorted dealerships.

Bring along the whole family as there will be several fleamarket stalls to browse through, food, tea garden and a beer tent. A jammed packed programme of entertainers, is scheduled to take place throughout the day and these include Lee Vaughn, Mario Oglie, Sissor Boys Band, the Benoni High School Pipe Band, Highlanders, Cinique, Fire Dancers, an Amazing Race and many more. The little ones will be entertained by the jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians, face painters and balloon shapers. Entrance for the day is R10.

DVD-RE view Unstoppable Director: Tony Scott Writer: Mark Bomback Stars: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine and Rosario Dawson In this action thriller from director Tony Scott, rookie train operator Will (Pine) and grizzled veteran engineer Frank (Washington) learn that a runaway locomotive carrying dangerous chemicals is headed for Will's small Pennsylvania hometown, where his wife and child live. In order to save the day, they must figure out how to catch up to the rogue engine, and stop

it before harm comes to the town. Standing in their way is Galvin (Kevin Dunn), the head of the company who is more interested in saving the stock price than lives. On the plus side, the duo have competent corporate employee Connie (Dawson) on the radio, talking them through their various attempts to corral and then stop the potentially lethal locomotive.

HEAT RATING: 6

Weekend Sport

Find the hidden words

3 JUNE

This weekend will see the Super 15 rugby competition hotting up; however there are plenty of other sport fixtures that will keep your remote control finger working overtime. In Super Rugby The DHL Stormers, who are leading the South African conference, will square up against the bottom of the table Melbourne Rebels inAustralia. While the Vodacom Bulls, fresh from their victory over the Toyota Cheetahs, will be looking forward to enhancing their wild-card play-

off chances with a win over the Waratahs at Loftus Versfeld. The Sharks will hope to improve their chances of qualification against the Cheetahs, who are all but out of the competition. After the conclusion of the Indian Premier League last weekend international cricket is back with a bang on Friday with day one of the second test match between England and Sri Lanka getting underway. Your weekend fixtures are listed below:

RUGBY – Super 15

• Melbourne Rebels vs DHL Stormers – 11.30am, SS1, LIVE from Melbourne. • Vodacom Bulls vs Waratahs – 7.10pm, SS1, LIVE from Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.

CRICKET – International Cricket

• England vs Sri Lanka, second test, day one – 11.45am to 19.30pm, SS6, LIVE from Lord’s, London.

4 JUNE

RUGBY – Super 15

• Hurricanes vs the MTN Lions – 7am, SS1, LIVE from Wellington• • Cheetahs vs The Sharks – 16.30pm, SS1, LIVE from Bloemfontein.

SOCCER – African Nations Cup Qualifier

• Bafana Bafana vs Egypt, TBC, SABC 1, LIVE from Cairo.

TENNIS – Roland Garros

• Women’s Singles Finals – 15.00pm, SS2 LIVE from France.

PCN 01 June 2011

MOVIES

At a cinema near you! * Starting this Friday!

EnviroPet – Pet Cremation Services The love we have for our pets is no less real than the love we have for people. Often we bond more with our pets than we do with our families and other loved ones. We tend to open our hearts more with a cat or dog than we would with a person, because we are afraid of being hurt. We trust them with a more vulnerable part of ourselves, enjoying their unconditional love and friendship. It can be devastating when they leave us. Although it is often traumatic, the relief that people show in knowing that the body of their pet has been properly taken care of, is always evident. EnviroPet gives you peace of mind to be assured that your pet will be laid to rest in a dignified manner. Cremation Services What happens when the time comes to say “goodbye”? Shock, grief and despair can often make

final decisions and arrangements difficult. Our collection team will collect the deceased pet immediately from your home or vet and supply you with all relevant information. Cremation and Return of Ashes Sometimes pets have a special place where they were particularly happy, such as a particular spot in the garden or park. Sprinkling ashes in such a place can help one to make peace with the loss, knowing that your pet’s last remains have been laid to rest in a favourite place. The ashes are returned in a solid Kiaatwood urn with a golden nameplate. You will receive a certificate confirming the cremation date and authenticity of your pet’s ashes. EnviroPet is also able to provide personally inscribed plaques. These make a very special tribute which can be placed in your garden. Many people consider it a sign of weakness to show emotion when a pet dies. It is not weakness. It is a sign of strength to be real

and talk about your pain. The pain you feel is very genuine and valid. When your pet dies you have lost a best friend. Just as you loved your pet in life, you will want to honour them and yourself in death. This means being honest with how you feel and allowing yourself to grieve. You don’t need to dramatise it, but don’t stifle your feelings either. One of many things pets can teach us is how to be natural and real. Pets can teach us to develop qualities that are part of our natural state of being – unconditional love, sharing, open-heartedness, emotional tenderness, caring, responsibility, loyalty and empathy. These very qualities can help you to heal from the loss of your beloved pet. You will heal when you treat yourself with these kindnesses, and when you realize

that your bond of love is indeed forever. Contact Details 24 hour service: 071-470-5221 Email: info@enviropet.co.za Web: www.enviropet.co.za Fax: 011-425-1941

PCN 01 June 2011

Giant Loses Legal Challenge to Bonaero Park BPCP Tobacco Advertising Ban Community Precinct

t our recent AGM, this year’s Bonaero Park Community Precinct committee was elected, and has already identified certain areas that need attention. Two of these issues will be given priority, namely developments at Blaauwpan and a proposal for restricted access. To find out more about these 2 projects, drop in to see your committee members over the weekend of 4th and 5th June 2011 at both the Pick ‘n Pay and Checkers shopping centres, between the hours of 09h00 and 14h00. It is important for members of the community

to get involved, sign the petition to save Blaauwpan, which is an important feature of our suburb. Please give us your support. As a result of increased crime in the area, the committee has given consideration to restricting access to the area. This is in the early planning stages, but this also requires the support of our residents. During the coming year your committee will be attending to various other issues relating to Council matters and will be continuing to build on our relationship with our Ward Councillor, Andre du Plessis.

Batsa fails in high court bid to have the tobacco advertising ban declared unconstitutional. British American Tobacco South Africa (Batsa) has lost a legal challenge to the country’s ban on tobacco advertising. Batsa had challenged amendments to the law made by Parliament in 2008. The North Gauteng High Court, on Thursday, rejected an application from Batsa that the law be interpreted in a manner that would allow the company to advertise to adult smokers on a one-to-one basis. The Court also rejected an argument by Batsa that the legislation was unconstitutional if it did not allow such advertising. Judge J Phatudi dismissed Batsa’s application and ruled that the ban on tobacco advertising was reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society. The Judge awarded costs to the government and the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) which had joined the case as a friend of the court. The NCAS welcomed the decision as it viewed the changes to the law as critical in protecting young people from the clutches of the industry. In 2008, Parliament amended the Tobacco Products ControlAct 1993, to outlaw the industry’s notorious “secret smoking parties”, as well as techniques known as ‘viral’, ‘buzz’ or “guerrilla” marketing used by the cigarette companies to target teens. The cigarette companies reportedly employed

“sexy twentysomethings” and sent them “with a carload of free cigarettes on a tour of the country’s pubs, universities and colleges where they encourage youngsters to sign up for the party scene of a lifetime”. “Any serious attempt to reduce smoking amongst youth had to stop these industry practices. In amending the law Parliament specifically stated it wished to close loopholes in the law, which the industry exploited to sponsor parties and events”, says Dr Yussuf Saloojee of the NCAS. “Batsa has tried to achieve through the courts what it could not achieve in Parliament”, Dr Saloojee added, “It had ample opportunity during public hearings to convince MPs of the merits of its case, and it failed to do so. Asking the court to overrule Parliament is an abuse of the legal system.” The NCAS believes that the freedom of teenagers to grow up healthily is more important than the freedom of the tobacco companies to advertise a deadly addiction. Tobacco causes 44 400 death every year in South Africa according to the Medical Research Council. For further Information Contact Dr. Yussuf Saloojee: Executive Director, 076 633 5322 Mr. Peter Ucko: Director, 082 454 9889 Linah Ledwaba: Communications Specialist, 076 358 9273

Honouring Survivors for 80 Years Back Row: Alex Galvao, Barry Vorster, Pieter van Eeden, Volker Baufeldt, Nicole Barlow Front Row: Stephanie Swanepoel, Warwick Manning (chairman)

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of his plays. He wrote tragedies, comedies, and hysterectomies, all in Islamic pentameter. • Johann Bach wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster which he kept up in his attic. Bach died from 1750 to the present. Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel. Handel was half German, half Italian, and half English. He was very large. • Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf that he wrote loud music and became the father of rock and roll. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this. • The nineteenth century was a time of a great many thoughts and inventions. People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machine. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up.

Van Rensburg explains “Relay For Life is a great way to honour and remember survivors as well get involved in the fight against cancer. We host Relay events in every Province in South Africa and we invite you all to take part and show your support”. In celebration of their 80th Anniversary, CANSA is hosting the first Corporate Relay For Life on 3 & 4 September in Pretoria. “Cancer survivors and colleagues work side-by-side daily and may not know that colleagues are cancer survivors. And by all of us taking part by entering a team at a Relay event in our community, we showing our support and commitment to fighting back against cancer.” she concluded. At Relay, team members take turns to walk or run around a track for 12 to 14 hours. Participants enjoy camping-out, entertainment, good food, games and team building. People who join all share a common purpose - to help CANSA in the fight against cancer. Funds raised at this Relay event is used to fight cancer country-wide. There are many survivors who have a powerful testimony of survival and strength to share with others undergoing the same journey. CANSA invites all survivors and caregivers to share their message of hope and moments of strength with others facing the same challenges. Visit www.cansa.org.za and join the ‘Champions of Hope’ Facebook community or call CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22 for info on local events and activities.

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Some funny answers from school kids: • Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be made king. Dying, he gasped out “Same to you, Brutus.” • Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw for reasons I don’t really understand. The English and French still have problems. • It was an age of great inventions and discoveries. Gutenberg invented removable type and the Bible. Another important invention was the circulation of blood. • Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarettes and started smoking. • The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespeare. He was born in the year 1564, supposedly on his birthday. He never made much money and is famous only because

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has been honouring and caring for cancer survivors for the past 80 years. As part of International Cancer Survivor’s Day on Sunday 5 June 2011, CANSA is encouraging all South Africans to celebrate hope and life with survivors and their families with a special day of hope, support and nurturing. “A cancer survivor is anyone who has heard the words ‘you have cancer’ at any stage in their life,” says Sue Janse Van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO and a cancer survivor of 27 years. “Our purpose is to empower survivors to fight back during their cancer journey and to make them realise that they are not alone after their initial treatment is over.” CANSA’s wide-reaching health programme includes prevention and education campaigns, patient care and support – they continue to help cancer survivors and their family and friends by providing support through Cancer Care Centres that offer stoma and lymphoedema clinics, daycare services, support groups and interim home services. CANSA facilitate special programmes where cancer survivors are honoured and celebrated such as CANSA Relay For Life - a gathering that celebrates the lives of those who are survivors as well as those who lost the battle. It’s a funfilled, overnight get-together by a community that mobilises cancer survivors and corporate companies throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones that have passed away from cancer and raise money for the fight against cancer.

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PCN 01 June 2011

Clr Du Plessis serves another term

Clr André du Plessis, Ward 23 councillor, hard at work at his desk with a petition regarding service delivery in his ward, 430 residents have signed the petition but Du Plessis is encouraging more residents to sign the document before he hands it over to the mayor and city manager.

Clr André Du Plessis, recently elected councillor of Ward 23, is preparing for his third term of service to his community. His ward encompasses Bonaero Park, Pomona Industrial, Brentwood Park, Northvilla, Atlasville, Goedeburg, Clearwater Estates, Parkhaven and Impala Park. He first served the Democratic Alliance as a councillor in the old Ward 68 for five years and during that time he helped establish the Benoni North Community Precinct (BNCP) where he sat as chairman. He later played a hand in establishing the Atlasville Community Precinct (ACP) and the Bonaero Park Community Precinct (BPCP). “It is important as a councillor to have a common structure in every suburb of your ward,” said Du Plessis. He added that a Pomona Community Precinct was planned for establishment but due to the nature of the industry of the area it was decided against. In his first term of office for the DA, in 2000, Du Plessis sat on the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture portfolio as the DA spokesman because of his background as a horticulturist and landscaper. He was also the vice-chairman of the DA’s Gauteng East Region and served as the

Gate motors

– your first line of defence There have been a number of incidents regarding the theft of gate motors in our precincts in May. The PCN has compiled this article to better improve your understanding of gate motors. Years ago the idea of installing a gate motor was regarded as being a luxury, however with the increase in hijackings where thugs approach you and hold you up for your vehicle in your driveway gate motors have become a first line of offence. Some tips to consider when purchasing a gate motor: • It is essential to deal with reputable and professional companies that have been in business for a reasonable amount of time and are not fly-by-nighters or out to make a quick profit. • Decide whether it should be a swing or sliding gate and if the existing gates are suitable for automation. • The size of the motor will be dictated by the weight of the gate, wind factors and how often the gate will be required to open. Also, a high-volume townhouse installation will require a bigger motor than a low-volume residential home.

Crime Statistics

• Work out who will need access to the gate, for example pedestrians, owner vehicles, friends’ vehicles, delivery vehicles, staff, and so on. This will define what kind of access devices are needed, such as hand-held remote controls, keypad, pedestrian key-switch, proximity tag system, biometric reader, telephone-based intercom and audio or video intercom. • For added safety and security, ensure that anti-lift brackets are fitted to sliding gate systems to prevent the gate from being easily lifted off its rail. Solid, end-stops should also be fitted to ensure that the gate can never run off the rail and fall onto vehicles, animals or children. There is no doubt that the automated gate is far more secure than having to get out one’s vehicle and manually open the gate. However, they are vulnerable during the open/close cycle. Automated gates by their very nature can be dangerous or even deadly so various mechanisms have been employed by gate motor manufacturers and installers to reduce the risk of death or injury. These include motor overload cut-outs and infrared beams, but these safety devices create

party’s campaign manager for the national and provincial elections. In his second term from 2006 to 2011, Du Plessis was selected as the DA spokesman on the Environmental Development Portfolio. A role he was happy to accept due to his passion for the environment. His second term of office saw him lead the DA’s election campaign for the 2011 local government elections. Some of his major projects and success during this term are listed below: The rescue of a park in Nightingale Street, Atlasville, from development. The building and construction of a model park in Veronia Crescent, Pomona. Du Plessis admits that none of these successes could be achieved without the drive of members of the community and encouraged community involvement with the ward committee. The councilor has also been heavily involved with the upgrade of the Atlasville Spruit. Phase One of the project has already concluded which saw the upgrade of roads and storm water drains at the corner of Venus and Star streets, the second phase is currently underway where work is in progress on Brentwood Park Road to channel water into the Spruit.

security “holes” which can and have been used very effectively by criminals. For instance, placing a piece of black insulation tape over an infrared beam before the gate is opened, will allow the gate to open, but not close afterwards. An unsuspecting home owner will arrive home, open the automated gate, but then find it will not close, this will allow the thieves to strike with minimal effort. There have also been many instances of hijackers lifting gates off the rails or applying drag on the gate during the time that it is closing. All these methods will prevent the gate from closing. There is, however, very little from a security sense that one can do to prevent this type of attack except to be vigilant during the time that the gate is closing. Additionally, home owners who have sliding gates should ensure that once the gate is closed, that it cannot be lifted from the rails. Any gate that can be lifted from its rails when it is in its closed position, can be opened. It is surprising how many people live with a false sense of security when it comes to automated gates, and how easy the majority of them can be opened without the remote, mainly due to poor installation. The bottom line is: if a gate feels flimsy, it is flimsy and offers no protection. Another issue to consider is a trend which has been around for a while, where the thieves are

The contours of the spruit have changed to alleviate the pressure on the spruit caused by heavy rain. He added that council has allocated R5.5 million on the budget for two years. “By doing this we hope to alleviate the next summer season’s rains,” he said. “When it comes to the environment being neglected I want the rule of law to be upheld to its full degree from a local, national and provincial level. “I will hold those spheres of government accountable in my term of five years.” With regards to crime Du Plessis said he would address crime together with the communities as he is sitting with Community Policing Forums (CPF) in the three towns where his ward is located. “One of the biggest challenges currently being dealt with is drug dealing at the Atlasville taxi rank. It is a priority issue which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.” In the meantime Du Plessis is in the process of establishing a ward committee and a DA branch in his ward. If you are interested contact Du Plessis on 083 655 8187 or during office hours on 011 999-3711 or email andre.duplessis@ ekurhuleni.gov. za .

actually after the gate motor itself. Gate motors, especially sliding gate motors should have a substantial antitheft bracket or be welded in place. Locks used on the swing arms of swing gates or on the release leaver of sliding gate motors should be substantial. Do not believe that a R10 padlock is going to stop a thief. Wherever possible, use the round disk type lock that is very difficult to cut through or break open Another tip provided by Adam Butchart, marketing manager at Centurion Systems, is to register your gate motor online. By registering your product’s serial number on the web the provider company can return a stolen gate motor if it has been found. If you have a Centurion Systems motor visit their website www.centsys.co.za. In addition to this the company has developed a technology, which converts the gate’s infrared safety beams into perimeter security beams when the gate is idle. These beams prevent a would-be thief from approaching the gate undetected by activating a Break-in Alarm. By using this technology, home owners will deprive these thieves the luxury of time when they try stealing their gate motors. An additional spinoff when using this technology is that criminals will not be able to block gate safety beams with tape.

Up to 29 May 2011