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NIGHTMARE On SHERIDAn ROAD

CRIMInALS TARGET CELLULAR SHOP

17 May 2011

HOBBITECH 2011

Urgent warning to Mercedes Benz owners Please be aware that Mercedes-Benz vehicles have become serious targets for hijackers. C-Class is top of the list. There have been nine hijackings of C-Class vehicles on the East Rand alone in the last week. Two of these occurred in Farrarmere last week. The first took place on the night of Sunday 8 May, with the tracking unit being removed and found in Tembisa. This vehicle is still missing.

The second incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday 10 May, and on this occasion the suspects took the driver with them. The resident was dropped off two hours later in the middle of the squatter camp in Tembisa. Luckily he met a member of the Tembisa Patrollers who lent him a phone to call home, and we immediately set off to collect him. In both of these incidents in Farrarmere,

the suspects were driving a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. On Thursday 12 May a further two C-Class Mercs were hijacked, one in Sunward Park and one in Roodepoort. The Sunward Park vehicle was recovered in Dalpark, and the vehicle used by the hijackers was believed to be an X1 BMW or similar. The hijackers took the female driver of

the vehicle hijacked in Roodepoort with them. Thankfully they dropped her off in an undisclosed location. Her vehicle has not yet been recovered. We urge everyone to increase their awareness. Unless you have been a victim of a hijacking, one can only imagine the trauma associated with it, which must be 10 times worse if you are taken prisoner in your own vehicle.

Our dreaded hijackers are back! It seems that they also go away for Easter. Hijackings were down in April, but since the beginning of May they have picked up again. Please be extremely aware when pulling in or out of your driveways as there have been incidents where the perpetrators have been on foot and other times where they are driving luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Benz and Audi. Mercedes C-Class and Audi are high on the list of vehicles being hijacked at the moment. Another handy hint is to check your vehicle tracking every year, (some companies stipulate every two years) because we have had incidents

where the battery of the unit was flat and the tracking company could not track the vehicle. It is yours and not the tracking company’s duty to check the batteries and most of the time, we realise this too late. House break-ins are still high as it is very difficult to curb these crimes. Although SAPS do many “stop and searches”, it is difficult to stop every single suspicious person or vehicle. The SAPS and FCP need your help in reporting suspicious behaviour. Even if it seems trivial, you could in effect be saving somebody’s life. Domestic violence is also very prevalent lately especially with the economy as it is and coupled with alcohol and drug abuse, this is becoming an even more serious problem by the day. The difficult times that people are experiencing financially is also increasing suicide rates, so

we all have to be very aware of family and friends especially and how they are acting. Your attentiveness to their actions and pleas for help could realistically save their life. FCP has systems in place to help people through these tough times. On a positive side, we would like to welcome the Homestead Helpers as a sub-committee of FCP. This is a group of very dedicated people who look after the Homestead Dam amenities, especially where the Council has failed. FCP, being a community driven system gets involved in these projects as we can only achieve certain goals by working together with all people who are willing to sacrifice some of their time and money for the greater good of the Community, a trait that has become lacking in many people. So next time you are down at the dam and it looks clean

and tidy (the toilets are in good condition) please spare a thought for those people, even a thankyou or a donation towards the costs involved. From FCP’s side, we thank you for the time sacrificed so that we can go and enjoy a walk in the park. The closure of Farrarmere is going along steadily and we have almost reached the required mandates percentage to apply for the closure. We will give a more accurate rundown in one of the next issues of PCN. Remember that every first Wednesday of the month, there is a public meeting at Belverdere School, Uys Krige Street, where an update is given and you can ask questions i.c.w. the closure. So please try and attend if you can, as we can only answer a question if it is asked and then it can be dealt with. Yours in community safety

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

From the Editor In an effort to keep up with technology, we have set up a website and opened a facebook page, which we will be updating on a regular basis as and when specific issues arise. On our website you will be able to read the previous issue of The PCN, just in case you didn’t get one delivered. One of the things The PCN would like to do is identify members of the community who selflessly give of their time to help members of the community who need it. We believe there are many ‘unsung heroes’ within our communities and we’d like to hear about them.

If you know of anyone who does good works in your community and feel they should be given recognition, please drop us a line. Whilst more common organisations such as Hospice and Lifeline normally receive a fair amount of publicity in the Press, we believe there are many smaller similar organisations within our communities that provide a much needed service. We’d like these organisations to make contact with us, tell us what you do and/or what services you provide. The community needs to be made aware of those of you who are trying to make a difference.

Nightmare on Sheridan Road

Farrarmere family had no idea that they would be in for one of the most terrifying encounters of their lives on the night of Tuesday, May 11 at about 7.30pm While pulling into the driveway of his Sheridan Road home, a father of three was hijacked by five armed suspects and forced into the boot of his silver C180 Mercedes Benz. His eldest son had opened the garage for his father without suspecting that his vehicle was the target of gun-wielding hijackers who had pulled in behind him in another Mercedes. One of the suspects had also entered the house and held a firearm to the head of one of the victim’s sons to prevent him from seeing or saying anything. The family also claimed that when the victim had pulled into his driveway their lights were tripped as the switches at the DV board, which is hidden alongside the garage, were down -- a clear indication that the suspects were familiar with the property. The victim was transported in the boot of his Mercedes and was dropped off in the middle of the squatter camp in Tembisa. The suspects also took his cell phone and his shoes. Gabriel Mothabo, a Good Samaritan and a resident in Tembisa, discovered the shoeless and traumatised victim and realised that he was in need of help. “He explained his story to me and I gave him my cell phone to contact

his family,” said Mothabo. “I grew up believing that people should care for each other regardless of colour and if I was in the same situation I would like someone to do the same for me,” he added. The men got in touch with the family and one of our paramedics, Mozz, immediately jumped into his emergency response vehicle and headed towards Tembisa where he located the victim and returned him to his worried wife and children. A huge well done must go out to Gabriel Mothabo for his kind assistance. It is through the assistance of people in the community like him that we can have successes like this. To our paramedic Mozz who went beyond the call of duty to bring the victim back home we also remove our hats -- Thank you!

Our paramedic Mozz located the hijacked victim in Tembisa and returned him to his worried family. Well done Mozz!

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PCN 17 May 2011

Bullets fly at Alphen Park service station

security guard was wounded after an attempted armed robbery at the Engen Garage, in Mercury Street, Alphen Park, on Wednesday, May 11. The incident occurred when two armed suspects arrived on foot at the service station with the intention of robbing the station’s service shop. However, the security guard on-site was wide awake and noticed one of

the suspects reaching for a firearm. As the guard withdrew his firearm the suspect followed suit and fired shots at the guard who was subsequently hit in his left shoulder. The suspect’s accomplice, who was in the shop at the time, exited and both men fled the scene without taking anything. It is alleged that the men escaped in a white Inyati taxi towards Atlas Road.

The injured guard was transported to The Glynnwood Hospital for the treatment he required. One of the suspects was wearing a grey beanie with white stripes while the other was wearing a black beanie. WO Assie van Aswegen from the Benoni SAPS said that it is surprising that nothing was taken and added that the suspects may have been disturbed.

Security Tips at Shopping Centres No matter when you go to a shopping centre, they always seem to get more and more crowded, particularly the weekend after pay day. This is an ideal time for criminals to take advantage, as most of us are busy thinking of what we can spend our hard-earned money on and we often don’t pay attention to what’s going on around us. We’re sure you’ve seen these tips before, but we’re going to give them to you again anyway. Securing your belongs: • When shopping do not leave your bag or valuables (eg Cell phones) unattended. • Do not leave these possessions in your trolley while shopping. • When trying on clothes make sure your belongings are secure. • Do not leave valuables such as cell phone or laptops in plain view in your motor vehicle when the vehicle is unattended. • Ensure that you have control over your bag and valuables at all times and when paying for goods or processing money at a bank make sure that you do not place your bag on a counter and leave it unattended. Be aware of strangers who may try to distract you. Be alert when drawing money: • When drawing money from ATMs: o Scan the area for suspicious activity/ people before approaching the ATM. o Remain aware of your surroundings and do not allow anyone to distract you while doing your transactions. o Use ATM’s that you are familiar with and are situated in well-lit areas where you are visible and safe. o Have your bank card ready

in your hand before you approach the ATM to avoid opening your handbag/ purse/ wallet while waiting in the queue. o Be cautious of strangers trying to help you, as they could be trying to distract you to obtain your card or pin details. o Don’t force your card into the slot, as it may have been tampered with. When drawing large amounts of money from the bank: o Make sure you have made security arrangements. o Be aware of suspicious people/ vehicles while en route. o Do not advertise that you are going to the bank. Protect your ATM Pin number: o Do not use guessable pin numbers such as your birth date, and change it often. o Memorise your Pin number. Never write it down or share it with anyone. o Don’t let anyone stand too close to you, in order to keep both your pin and card safe. o Shield the keypad when entering your Pin, to ensure that no-one can see it. o Your Pin number is your personal key to secure banking, and it is crucial to keep it that way. Bank/Credit Card Fraud o Sign your card as soon as you receive it. o Never let your card out of your sight when paying for goods and services. o Ensure that you get your own card back after every purchase. o Never write down your pin No.

or disclose it to anyone. your account o Review statements as soon as you received them. o Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Report suspicious behaviour By reporting suspicious activity you can lower the risk of incidents: o If you observe suspicious activity/ persons, report it to the shopping centre security or SAPS immediately. Be alert when you leave a shopping centre Common sense is always the best defence: o Have car keys in hand before you get to your car. o When you return to your car, be aware of your surroundings. o Let your family and friends know of your shopping plans and when you expect to come home. o Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Any time of the year con artists may try various methods to distract you. o Keep all shopping parcels and other valuables out of sight. o Be aware of occupied vehicles parked near your home – the occupants might be staking out the area. o Don’t approach your empty vehicle if a suspicious looking person is hanging around in the vicinity. o When leaving a shopping centre or any other public place, be alert and check to see that you are not being followed. o If you suspect you are being followed, do not drive directly home, rather drive to the nearest police station.

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

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PCN 17 May 2011

Huffing – cheap, nasty and deadly

n March this year a 15 year old, grade 9 student died of cardiac arrest after inhaling household aerosol to get high. Huffing is the intentional inhalation of chemical vapours to attain a mental “high” or euphoric effect. A wide variety of substances, including many common household products, are abused by inhalers. It is done by spraying the aerosol in a bag or on a piece of cloth and then inhaling it to get high. This method of getting high is of growing concern, and is growing in popularity among our teenagers. There are many people who have not even heard of ‘huffing’, but we believe we need to raise the level of awareness among both parents and children alike. Our children need to be made aware of just how dangerous it really is. It is not a drug, so they think they will not come to any harm. Earlier this year, Myrtle Jacobs, spokesperson for the South Western Johannesburg Alcohol and Drug Centre, said huffing provided a high similar to alcohol intoxication, but chemicals in the sprays could cause heart failure, particularly if the user was stressed or did heavy exercise after inhaling. It was also possible to develop a physical and psychological dependence on the substances, she said. Long-term abuse can cause brain damage, irregular heartbeat and damage to the liver and kidney and can even lead to seizures. ‘Huffing’ is becoming more popular because it is cheap, and it is not necessary to involve a dealer. Inhalants produce an effect that may be similar to alcohol intoxication. Initial symptoms described by abusers who were “huffing” include: • drowsiness, • lightheadedness, and • loss of inhibition Further use can lead to the following:

• dizziness, • hallucinations or delusions, • belligerence, • apathy, and • impaired judgment. Long term inhalant abusers can suffer damaging health consequences, including: • depression and mood changes, • weight loss, • inattentiveness, • lack of co-ordination, • irritability, and • weakness More serious consequences can include permanent damage to the brain and other organs or even death. Sudden cardiac death from fatal cardiac arrhythmias has been reported even in teen inhalant abusers. Death from

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huffing can occur upon the first time of use, or after prolonged inhalant abuse. Other causes of death include asphyxiation, aspiration or suffocation. Chronic inhalant abuse may result in serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the user’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Brain damage may result in personality changes, diminished cognitive functioning, memory impairment, and slurred speech. Substances commonly used by inhalant abusers fall

into several categories: • Volatile solvents, such as those found in paint thinner, gasoline, felt-tip markers, nail polish remover, glue, and other household products. • Aerosol sprays containing propellants and solvents. Examples include spray paint, deodorant, and hair care products. • Gases, most commonly nitrous oxide (laughing gas). • Nitrites, a group of chemicals that are used in room deodorizers, are more often abused by those seeking sexual enhancement rather than a euphoric state. Nitrites are most commonly abused by adults. Parents of teens need to be especially vigilant about signs of inhalant abuse (huffing), since the abused substances are simple household items and not readily identifiable as drugs of abuse. These substances are also easily purchased and inexpensive, making them attractive to curious teens. In addition to signs of intoxication, parents should be warned of potential inhalant abuse by sores and scratches around the mouth area along with the presence of unusual odours.

HAPPINESS Everyone seems to think they know what would make them happy – winning the lotto, going overseas, losing weight or getting a promotion. For many people happiness seems to have an elusive quality. Happiness that depends on circumstances seems to fade rapidly as the novelty wears off. When was the last time you felt truly happy? Many people recall periods or occasions in the past when they felt happy, but fail to find happiness in the present. Others yearn for happiness in the future. How do we find happiness now? Here are some questions to ask yourself: What am I grateful for in my life now? Write down three things each day, without repetition. Don’t first list things where circumstances went your way, e.g. “Thank goodness I didn’t get a traffic fine!” List things that touched you, e.g. that your colleagues appreciate your sense of humour or that the flowers you planted have come into bloom, or your child snuggled up to you on the sofa. Learn to find pleasure in little things and become aware of the world around you – the detail in a flower, the sounds of music, the variety of tastes you enjoy, the warmth of your home on a winters day, etc. Happiness has an elusive quality because it cannot be perused as a goal in itself. It is a by-product of something else. Think about it. When you were happiest, were you focusing on happiness itself, or were you focusing on something or someone outside yourself? It is a paradox. Emotions are a by-product of something else. If for example, I ask you to feel intensely afraid, it is unlikely that you will feel fear. If however there is a deadly snake in the room, fear arises automatically as a by-product of the snake’s presence. Similarly, if you seek to feel intense love for someone, the feeling tends to elude you. If, in contrast, you focus on the qualities of the beloved, the feeling emerges as a by-product of thinking of the beloved as a person. Happiness is a by-product of the way we spend our time. It may lie in fulfilling a particular life task, being creative or in meaningful relationships. The key to happiness lies in discovering your own uniqueness and identifying your own particular path to something, or someone you experience as meaningful. FINDING A MEANINGFUL LIFE-TASK AS A PATH TO HAPPINESS Is my life valuable? Does it matter what I do? We are probably all familiar with these questions, either because we have asked them ourselves, or because they have been asked by others. Being a person is distinguished precisely by our capacity to live for a something or someone beyond ourselves. One way to experience happiness is to exercise our unique gifts and abilities to make a contribution to the world. Happiness can be found in devotion to a task or cause. To identify your “Happiness Triggers”, ask yourself: What do you really enjoy doing? What really interests you and captures your full attention?

PCN 17 May 2011

What really excites or inspires you when you think about what you want to do with your life? What is the most exciting thing you have done in life? Recall times in your life when you were so absorbed in what you were doing, you hardly noticed the time. What were you doing? What would you do if you didn’t have to work to survive? Say you won the lotto. What would you do with your life? What comes easily to you? In what situations do you feel most “Yourself?” Which three words best describe your strengths? If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you still do that you do now? THE PAST AS A CLUE TO YOUR STRENGTHS As children we often have an intuitive sense of who we are and what we do well. Think of a pre-school. One child may sit quietly absorbed with crayons and paper; another may rush home, eager to re-tell a story. Another may linger at the front of the class, relishing attention, eager to get the others to “do it this way! Or come with me – let’s try this!” All of these examples are clues to one’s natural talents and gifts. How were your strengths visible as a child? Ask yourself: What have you consistently done well? What have you always loved to do? When you were a child, what did you see yourself doing as an adult? What did you enjoy most at school? As a child, what were you best at? How many of these activities do you do now? Happiness may be found in relationships with others. Each of us occupies a unique place in the lives of others. Ask yourself: To whom am I irreplaceable? Who are the most important people in my life now? What am I doing to nurture these relationships? As human beings we all experience freedom of choice. With freedom comes responsibility. Choosing the right course of action brings with it a sense of satisfaction and meaning. We can act purposefully. Only man can think about his life and circumstance and do something to rise above them or change his or her attitude to them. Evil is meant to provoke us to good, to prompt us to take a resolute stand. No one can be happy while violating his or her own conscience. As a sense of unfulfilment, sorrow or boredom, a sense of “what is this for? Is it worthwhile?” suggests what needs to change. Ask Yourself? When have you taken the strongest stand in your life? What were you standing for? When have you been most committed? These are times when you were involved emotionally, determined to persist. If guilt could speak, what would it say? What do I need to change in my life? When have you been most decisive? Recall times when you acted deliberately and confidently, maybe inspite of the objections of others. Meaning and joy can be found in making or creating something or in appreciating beauty.

Dr Barbara Wade BA (Welfare Science) BSc (Physio) Hons Hons BSc (Research Psychology) Registered Social Worker Reg no. 102 3651 SAASWIPP 700 938

The Olive Branch Trauma Centre

Creating something can distract us from selfabsorption and worry over problems. It can be a way of leaving a heritage behind for others. Ask yourself: When have you been most creative? What do you enjoy doing or making? What would you do if you didn’t have to earn a living? To find what triggers happiness in you, focus on now. Think about things you appreciate and enjoy now. Work on making others happy. You may want to do something big, like visit an old person regularly, or start with small daily actions, like showing kindness to a work colleague, reading your child a story, or smiling at the bank teller. Reflect on these questions and consider what makes your life meaningful. There is no recipe that suits everyone – asking what is the best path to happiness is like asking, “What is the best move in chess?” There is no such thing apart

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from a particular game. You are unique and your path to meaning and fulfilment is uniquely yours – but happiness is to be found as a by-product of walking along your unique path to meaning, IT IS A MATTER OF CHOICE. COMPILED BY DR B L WADE OLIVE BRANCH TRAUMA CENTRE 16 – SIXTH AVENUE NORTHMEAD BENONI. TEL:011 849-7473 CELL 072 122 4766 Dr Wade is a fully accredited member of SAASWIPP and practices in the field of trauma and family therapy References: Shantall T, Moore C & Rapmund V (2002) Logotherapy Published by the University of South Africa.

PCN 17 May 2011

E T PA R K

A warning from the Boksburg North CPF

PBP

he Boksburg North CPF is warning residents throughout the East Rand area to be vigilant. This comes after reports that three males driving a white and relatively new BMW have been following people from shopping centres and malls to their homes and are believed to be robbing people in their driveways or are robbing the houses itself. Please take care when leaving a shopping centre and if you do notice that you are being followed please call 10111 and drive to a place of safety. DO NOT drive to your home or do not try to confront these people as they are armed and dangerous.

t has come to our notice that many companies in the Jet Park area do not know what JPBP is all about and why we are here. A little bit of history. Originally, in preparation for the Soccer World Cup in 2010, Emperors Palace initiated a meeting with representatives from various businesses in the area surrounding O R Tambo Airport, with a view to putting security measures in place now, to ensure that when the time came, we were prepared for this major event. Emperors Palace approached Manny Ferreirinha of CMS, who has been instrumental

We are constantly being made aware of potholes, fault street lights and other Council related issues, which we take note of and bring to the attention of our Ward Councillor, who also frequently attended our monthly meetings. However, after the election we will most likely have a new Ward Councillor and will, of course, build a relationship with that person. We have set up an email data base, and on a regular basis have sent emails out informing the business community of crime related issues etc, and many businesses have also informed us of specific incidents so that we can pass this info on to all of you. We have found that things which affect one business could also affect another, hence the sharing of information. Not only do JPBP members enjoy the presence of 2 patrol vehicles, we have a paramedic vehicle, a trauma support unit, professional trauma counselor, iThemba Rape & Crisis Centre, as well as Roadside Assistance. All these services have been put in place to cater for the needs of the community. What we would like to see is more companies becoming part of JPBP, for the benefit of the community as a whole.

LET’S MAKE JET PARK A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO WORK – NOT JUST FOR OURSELVES BUT ALL OUR EMPLOYEES. JOIN US IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

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in mobilising Community Precincts in Benoni and surrounding areas, for his advice and recommendations. Businesses within a 5 km radius of O R Tambo Airport were invited to attend a presentation on the “Precinct philosophy”, which could be adapted to suit the business community. Shortly thereafter a meeting was held with interested companies, where it was decided to form a business precinct, namely East Rand Business Precinct (ERBP), and under that umbrella Jet Park Business Precinct was established. A committee was elected from representatives of various companies in Jet Park, who then appointed a management company, CMS, to handle the day to day running of the Precinct. 2 JPBP vehicles are patrolling in the suburb, 24 hours a day, and are dedicated to the area. Even at shift change they remain in the area, as we have a control room at Emperors Palace. JPBP has two legal obligations: to form partnerships with both the SAPS and the Ward Committee. To this end, our chairperson joined the Boksburg North CPF, and our monthly meetings are attended by our Sector Manager/members of the SAPS, and we have been successful in building up a mutually beneficial relationship with them. Not only do we have our 2 patrol vehicles in the area, but our sector vehicles have been visible in Jet Park, which we believe has resulted in crime in the area being kept to a minimum.

Street Vendors/ Hawkers

We have received many complaints from businesses in the Jet Park area about hawkers/vendors operating on street corners. Whilst we do not wish to deprive anyone of trying to earn a living, these hawkers/street vendors invariably set up shop on a street corner. The main problem with this is that when people stop to buy something, there is seldom an appropriate or convenient place to stop, but people do so anyway, without any regard for other road users and generally obstructing traffic. We could arrange for the police to ask these vendors/hawkers to move, but they would only be back again the next day, because the demand is there. Another concern is that it encourages loiterers who can hang around, whilst at the same time watch the comings and goings of business people in the area. What are the alternatives? YOU TELL US – we are open to suggestions!

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PCN 17 May 2011

Criminals target cellular shop O

n Monday, May 9, at about 2pm, our patrolmen responded to an armed robbery in the Greater Northfield Community Precinct area. Two firearm-wielding suspects entered the Bluechip Cellular cell phone shop at the Oakfields Centre. A third suspect, the getaway driver, waited in the parking lot, while his accomplices held up the store. WO Assie van Aswegen from the Benoni SAPS, who was on the scene, said that two

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the armed men entered the shop and forced one of the employees to open the safe on the premises. He confirmed that property including cell phones, modems and airtime was stolen from the store. The two suspects who entered the store were aged between 20 and 25 and drove a white VW. The men fled the scene in a matter of minutes. “Luckily there were no injuries,” said van Aswegen. The cashier who pressed the panic button said that the suspect who had held her up was taller than average, was quite young and probably in his mid-20s. The owner of the store said she had tried

to get the attention of two police officers who were in the Oakfields Centre parking lot at the time but claimed that these officers were slow in reacting to the robbery. The policemen said that there was nothing that they could do and proceeded to leave the scene. Van Aswegen said that he was unsure who these officers were and where they were from but claimed that they could have been officers from the SAPS’ mechanical school. “Although these men were not in uniform or on-duty it is unacceptable because they are police officers and should have reacted accordingly.”

Our Paramedics to the rescue On Wednesday 11 May, our paramedics were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on the corner of Atlas Road and Finch Street, Atlasville.

A truck driver allegedly skipped the red robot and collided with a bakkie which was waiting to turn at the robot. Of the 8 occupants of the bakkie, four were

killed, 3 were treated on scene and transported to hospital, and one passenger was critically injured and had to be airlifted to hospital. The truck driver was arrested at the scene.

Concerned plot owners meet about increased crime Dog poisonings, theft and damage to property. These are some of the crimes which have escalated in the Benoni Agricultural Safety and Security (BASS) precinct area in the early weeks of May. Concerned plot owners and residents in the area held an important meeting on May 16, in Marister, to develop steps and solutions to resolving the challenges faced with living out on the plots. Fed-up residents called for greater unity with regards to dealing with criminal activities and said that plot owners must stick together. One resident described the status quo on the plots as “a war of survival”. Geritt van Heerden, general manager of CMS, provided the residents with an insight

BASS

Below are some of the gems collected by schoolteachers. Here are some hilarious language mistakes made by children in school. Q - Name the four seasons. A - Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. Q - Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A - Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants. Q - What does “varicose” mean? A - Nearby. Q - What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on? A - If you are buying a house, they will insist that you are well endowed. Q - What happens to your body as you age?

into the crime statistics and figures which BASS patrolmen attended to in the area in the first days of May. In almost ten pages of stats it became clear that dog poisonings and damage to property i.e. the cutting of fences to create entry and exit points to plots is a serious concern. It was stressed that communication between neighbours is a vital key in being a step ahead of criminals as the first person who can respond in a situation is usually your neighbour. This opinion was echoed by a representative from the local Community Police Forum (CPF) who encouraged all the residents present to sign up with the CPF’s radio network so that a reaction team can respond to crimes-inprogress immediately. Residents were also urged to become aware of their environment. The CPF representative added that a major

A - When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental. Q - What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A - He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery. Q - What is the fibula? A - A small lie. Q - Give the meaning of the term “caesarian section.” A - The caesarian section is a district in Rome. Q - What is a terminal illness? A - When you are sick at the airport. Q - What does the word “benign” mean? A - Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

factor contributing to crime on the plots is the fact that some plot owners are housing illegal immigrants in zozo huts, shacks or back rooms on their properties or allow shebeens to be run from their premises in exchange for tax free rent money. He went on to say that the desperation that some of these people are faced with forces them to do illegal things and labelled the property owners who take advantage of these people as the biggest culprits. It is clear that communication between neighbours is vital to ensure that crimes can be reacted to as speedily as possible. Get to know your neighbours and become familiar with their behaviour -- it could be the difference between you becoming just another statistic or not. For more information about becoming a member of the BASS precinct contact Billy Chambers on 072 987 3264.

The Sciences “Water is composed of two gins, Oxygin and Hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.” “When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.” “H20 is hot water, and CO2 is cold water.” “The body consists of three parts—the brainium, the borax and the abominable cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abominable cavity contains the bowels, of which there are five: a, e, i, o and u.” “The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.” “Equator: A menagerie lion running around the Earth through Africa.”

Patrolmen nab suspects in dam O n T h u r s d a y, May 6, at 2.05am our patrolmen responded to a break-in in progress at a business premises in High Road, Bredell. Three of our patrolmen arrived at the scene and surrounded the premises. Two patrolmen went from to the back of the building while the other secured the front. As the suspects attempted to exit the premises from the back, two suspects jumped the wall and nearly jumped on our patrolmen. The men were literally chased into the waters of the dam behind the business where a committed patrolman followed them and managed to apprehend them. They were caught in possession of nine truck tyres which had already been removed from the yard and the two suspects were subsequently arrested. Congratulations gentlemen. We commend you on a job well done.

BCP

Fundraiser ART EXHIBITION SATURDAY 21 MAY 2011 23 PAMELA AVENUE MOREHILL Entrance: R20.00 per person Refreshments will be on sale. If there are any artists who would like to exhibit, the cost is R30 per painting submitted. All artworks to be delivered and paid for on the 20th May between 15h00 and 20h00 at 23 Pamela Avenue, Morehill. Please bring your own easels to display your work. For more information, please contact Diane on 072 174 5185.

PCN 17 May 2011

The Scout Association of South Africa

an oing ng d s t i Scou ivity dur ld act gala he st this e th la ebruary ear. F y in

Som what e of the s Hom is call ca couts pla grou estead d noe polo ying a nd si de. m on the on scou t

ct participating Scouts from the distri a Parade that is is in a BP parade. This sest to the 22nd clo ay nd Su the held on embrance parade February. It is a rem remembering his ell for Lord Baden-Pow y. da Birth

ing s talk s at t u o dio e sc Som e ham ra camp. i h t t on Jota/Jo e h t

Scouts abseiling of the Water Tower in Beno ni off Hospital Road.

Scouts out o lakeside ma n the dam in front of th ll built for the on the rafts that they e had event.

Some scou ts launched o building rafts that we n the lake in re mall as part front of Lak o eside f th e relau the water h yacinth had nch of the lake once been remov ed. A campfire held at one of the scout halls in Benoni.

Happy times at Hobbitech 2011

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