CrimeZero 11 by Shirley Palmer

WWW.CRIMEZERO.CO.ZA

Great Prizes! Spot the Difference

PINETOWN

Roadshow

Kids Safety in Cars Life After

Abortion?

The

Clean-Up Project

Bringing communit y and police together

Westville/ Pinetown/ Kloof Edition â&#x20AC;˘ OCT/NOV 2011, issue#11

Letter from the Editor by Richard Palmer

www.crimezero.co.za

email: richard@crimezero.co.za

ith the year rapidly drawing to a close, its time to take note of what progress has been made in combating crime. Judging from the good turnout at some CPF meetings, the message to get the community involved in reporting suspicious events, is slowly beginning to pay off. This month’s edition has a record number of ‘Busts of the Month’ many of them due to tip-offs from the public. Grateful thanks go to all those businesses supporting this venture. Well done also, to those who supplied valuable information to the police. While the CPF meetings have been well attended, this is sometimes due to more people being affected by crime. It must be stressed that these meetings are to inform and encourage the community of what is happening in their areas and what to do in an emergency etc, and NOT a ‘complaints forum’. Certain members of the public are using these meetings to complain. This is not the object. While it is understood, there may well be things to complain about, we urge you not to bring these up during the meeting by prolonging the whole procedure. Rather speak directly first to the station commander when you have a grievance. This would be appreciated and help to keep proceedings in order. Grateful thanks again to all those who are supporting the CrimeZero initiative with articles, advertising and sponsorship.

On the Cover: Arnold Grobler, Damian Buck & Tiaan Grobler from 1st Wandsbeck Cubs cleaning up Dawncliffe Park

Contents Letter From The Editor.................................

Westville CPF..............................................

Pinetown CPF.............................................. 4/5 An Opinion by Julian Carter..........................

Spot-the-Difference Competition... ................

Kids Safety in Cars......................................

Dawncliffe Community Forum.......................

Role Models by Justin Foxton.......................

Is there Life after Abortion?.................. ..........

Community Initiatives...................................

Useful Municipal Details...............................

Important SAPS & Emergency Details.. ..........

Editorial Contributions/Enquiries Tel: 031 266 8058 E-mail: info@crimezero.co.za Editor Richard Palmer E-mail: richard@crimezero.co.za Contributors Sgt. Stephen Clark (WSAPS), Lt. Justice Manqele (PSAPS), Andreas Mathios (Pro-Act NW), Julian Carter, Justin Foxton (Stop Crime Say Hello), Daniele Gradwell (Pregnancy Crisis Centre), Jean Senogles (Chairperson of Palmiet Nature Reserve). Advertising Leasa Labuschagne Tel: 031 266 8058 Email: leasa@crimezero.co.za

Copyright: All material in this issue is copyright and belongs to CrimeZero unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photographed, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior permission from CrimeZero. Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein.

POLICE FORUM MISSION STATEMENT Dedicated to bringing together and communicating with the police and community to develop a clean and safe environment for all.

Building a safer South Africa together. 2

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of CrimeZero, it’s members or the editor.

Westville Cpf

Busts of the Month C

st Philip Easterbrook started his Police career in 1995 as a Reservist in Westville and Pinetown. He worked as a Channel operator at the 10111 radio Control. He was eventually promoted to Reservist Sergeant. He decided to later join the Permanent Force, still working at Radio Control. Since 2005 he has served in the Westville Community Service Centre and in Crime Prevention, making many good arrests. His remembering of a circulated wanted vehicle was crucial in the arrest of two suspects wanted for a string of armed robberies in the Highway area. For that, he has been nominated for Bust of the Month in August. Thanks to Security Hyperstore, Westwood for sponsoring this well deserved bust with a R300 voucher. Photo: Cst. Easterbrook is flanked from left to right Shoaib Khan, Ahmed Kajee & manager Irshad Sheik from Security Hyperstore, Westwood.

embers of SAPS Westville Task Team swiftly closed a case of House Robbery on 19-9-

2011. A 60 year old woman was held up in her

home allegedly by a man she knew and another. They physically pushed her around, tied her up in the bath and ransacked the house of computer, audio equipment and clothing. They loaded the items into the victim’s car and made good their escape. The victim managed to free herself and raise the alarm. Within hours, the Westville Task Team, with assistance from the Durban Flying Squad, traced the employee and his accomplice to Cleremont where all the property stolen earlier was recovered. Well done to the team for the quick arrests and they have won the Bust of the Month for September. Thanks to Coyote Canyon, Photo (L to R) W/O Dhawrajh, Cst. Gumede & Buthelezi from Flying Squad, Westwood for their generous sponsorship of Cst. Cele, Manci, Naicker, Easterbrook and Mbili from SAPS Westville receive meal vouchers from Manager of Spur Westwood Centre, Lucky Maphumulo R800.

CENSUS WORKERS

ith the South African Census process beginning, people are advised to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. How do you tell the difference between a census worker and a con artist? • If a Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. • Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. • However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. • Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. • Do not give your identity number,

credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the Census. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. • While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for the information is NOT with the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau will not contact you by email so be on the look out for email scams impersonating the Census.

Westville Cpf Meetings Attend the WESTVILLE COMMUNITY POLICE FORUM (CPF). Diarise these meetings, the THIRD Tuesday of every month (except for December) from 6pm. This will be an hour and a half well spent as you become more informed of what is happening in your area. It could even save a life.

The next meetings will be held on Tuesday 18th October (guest speaker Jes Foord) and Tuesday 15th November (guest speaker Eric Tocknell) Venue: Westville Baptist Hall Church Street (opp. Spar). 3

Pinetown Cpf

Bust of the Month T

Photo: L to R: Cst Mbongwa flanked by Mr Andrew Mills, Boxer Superstore Marketing Manager and Prenella Govender, PRO, Boxer Superstore.

he BOXER BUST OF THE MONTH for July 2011 was won by Constable Bongani Mbongwa of Pinetown SAPS and based in the Kloof satellite police station. Const. Bongani Mbongwa was off duty at the Maytime Shopping Centre on Friday 2011-07-08 when he saw two suspects who had already opened a vehicle parked on the premises using a remote control and a bag containing a laptop computer was removed from the vehicle. He approached the suspects and identified himself as a policeman and arrested one suspect who was in possession of a laptop and the other suspect fled the scene on foot. He managed to trace the owner of the vehicle and the laptop was handed back to the owner after he positively identified it as his property. The suspect was then taken to Pinetown SAPS where he was detained for theft out of motor vehicle. The suspect appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on 10 July 2011 and the case was remanded until 04 August 2011. The station commander of Kloof Police station, Captain Bhekani Mpungose praised Const. Bongani for his dedication and commitment towards his duties. Thanks to Boxer Superstore for sponsoring this month’s Bust!

PINETOW N CPF

Road-show F

ollowing the training workshop for community policing forum members on 13 August, a crime awareness roadshow was planned for Saturday 10 September 2011. Coincidentally, the Minister of Police had just released the annual national crime statistics on Thursday 08 September. Although, the national statistics showed a slight reduction in most commonly known crimes, ATM blasts were very high between April 2010 and March 2011. However, Pinetown Police reported that no ATM blasts were reported in Pinetown, to date. In any event, we went ahead with the planned crime awareness road-show, leaving the police station at 10h00 in a convoy of approximately 30 vehicles. Present were, CPF members, SAPS members, Metro Police, local Security Companies, Municipal Safer Cities representative, and Councillors. The first stop was New Germany business centre, for about 15 minutes, 4

departing to Pick n Pay in Caversham Glen, then to Nazareth, Westmead, Motala Heights, Kloof, Wyebank, Pinetown Central and finally stopped at Knowles Superspar at around 13h30. Along the route, we distributed pamphlets containing valuable security tips, how to deal with a crime situation, important telephone numbers, etc. Most important was that, at the ‘stops’ we used a loud-speaker to address community members and business people that they should be the eyes and ears of the police by reporting crime. We stressed that the police alone cannot win the battle against crime without the help of the community. We also urged

people to attend the community policing sub-forum meetings on the scheduled days in each month. Lastly, a vote of thanks to all roleplayers for their support, dedication and effort in ensuring that the event was successful. We have hope that the reduction of crime in Pinetown would continue improving for the safety and security of all residents. Mr Fanie Ngubane (Chairman of the Pinetown CPF)

The Pinetown SAPS management thanks the Pinetown CPF for its initiative and all role-players who sponsored this event.

Pinetown Cpf

Bust of the Month Photo L to R: Cst Sibusiso Hlophe, Tanna, the manager of Grand Canyon Spur and R/ Sgt Dladla after receiving their meal vouchers.

he BUST OF THE MONTH for August 2011 has been won by D/ Cst Sibusiso Hlophe and R/ Sgt Bongani Dladla for arresting a fraud suspect. Detective Cst Hlophe and R/ Sgt Dladla of Pinetown detectives received information from a lady called Hlengiwe Shangase of 13 Spy road in New Germany near Pinetown. The information was about three foreign nationals who promised to triple money for the complainant using their own machines. On 2011-08-12 at about 07-30 Cst Hlophe and R/ Sgt Dladla proceeded to the complainant’s address where

the work was going to take place. Upon arrival detectives stayed in one of the rooms for the suspects to come and only one came and he went to the bedroom. The complainant further told police that on 2011-07 30 the same suspect and the other two suspects were at her house where she gave them about R250 000 to triple it and never came back. She also told police that the money was wrapped in a foil together with blank papers cut to size of a R100 note and they told her that they would come the next day to clean the money which never happened. Cst Hlophe and R/Sgt Dladla went to the bedroom where they introduced themselves as police officers and arrested one suspect Vusumuzi Frank Nxumalo(41) for fraud. The suspect was found in possession of three boxes of blank papers cut to size of R100 note, a box with a syringe and three bottles wrapped and believed to be containing chemicals to make counterfeit notes. The police also found two R100 notes with yellow stains on them. The suspect was then taken to Pinetown police station where he was detained for fraud. Thanks to Grand Canyon Spur for sponsoring this month’s Bust with meal vouchers.

PRO-ACT

Neighbourhood

ro-Act Neighbourhood Watch was recently donated an off road motor cycle by Newlands East station commander and former Pinetown Visible police commander Colonel Leon Mathyssen. This motor cycle was Colonel Mathyssen’s own personal transport and was not being used, but occupied space in his garage. Through this action of generosity ProAct is the one of the first neighbourhood watches in Durban to have its own bike squad which patrols the green strips around its neighbourhood. Andreas Mathios has been in consultation with other keen and interested off road bikers from Pinetown to join his team to do off road patrols in partnership with Pinetown SAP to help fight crime in these areas that even 4x4 vehicles find difficult to cover.

PINETOWN CPF MEETINGS Pinetown South Sub-Forum: 1st Monday at 05:30pm at Red Point Church, Ashley. Next Meeting: 3 October & 7 Nov 2011

Pinetown Sub-Forum: 2nd Thursday at 06:00pm at Pinetown Civic Centre. Next Meetings: 13 Oct & 10 Nov 2011

Kloof Sub-Forum: 2nd Monday at 06:00pm at Kloof SAPS Satelite Station Next Meetings: 10 Oct & 14 Nov 2011

Wyebank Sub-Forum: 3rd Thursday

Photo L to R: Andreas Mathios receiving the motor cycle donation from Col. Mathyssen

These green strips are escape routes for criminals in about 80% of incidents committed between Bradford Place, Cowies Hill Park and opposite the M13 freeway into neighbouring Hatton Estate. For further information contact: Liesl Krull tel: 082 922 4535

at 06:30pm at Wyebank Islamic Centre, Wyebank Road. Next Meetings: 20 Oct & 17 Nov 2011

New Germany Sub-Forum: 2nd Tuesday at 06:00pm at New Germany Library. Next Meetings: 11 Oct & 8 Nov 2011

Executive Body (Pinetown CPF): 2nd Saturday at 09:00am at Pinetown SAPS Conference Room. (All Sub-Forum Representatives, Businesses, Security Companies, Metro Police, Concerned Organisations) Next Meeting: 8 Oct & 12 Nov 2011

Quick thinking Domestic Worker assists in the Apprehension of Copper Pipe Thief A would-be copper thief got more than he bargained for when he was caught red-handed in Sarnia on the 2nd of September 2011. A domestic worker, activated her panic alarm after seeing an unknown man jumping over the wall while she was working at her employer’s home in Peace Crescent. ADT Reaction Officer, Senzo Chiya, responded to the panic signal and discovered the suspect removing copper pipes from the side of the house. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody by the Pinetown South African Police Service (SAPS).

Home owner, Mrs. Turner said: “I am extremely impressed by the quick response and bravery shown by Senzo in arresting the thief. I am also thankful that my domestic worker was able to remain calm and remembered to activate her panic button quickly for help.” Graham Boys, Managing Director of ADT KwaZulu Natal says: “Always remember that your domestic helper is part of the family and should be included in the family safety plan for your home. She should be comfortable with the workings of the alarm system and have access to a panic button and telephone.”

Important Domestic Worker Tips • Emphasise the need for security to your domestic worker and ensure all emergency numbers are clearly displayed near your telephone. • Make sure you teach your domestic worker how to operate your alarm

system correctly. • Encourage your domestic staff to activate the panic alarm should they hear or notice any suspicious activity. • Always inform your domestic worker if there is a need for them to open the

house for deliveries, maintenance work or repairs. Always use the same procedure and inform the companies involved that they will not gain access unless you have made a specific arrangement.

An Opinion...

Ey e For A n Ey e by Julian Carter

regularly find myself wondering if suitable punishment is being metered out for some of the horrendous crimes that are being committed daily in this potentially idyllic country of ours. In my youth, this was admittedly many, many years ago, as a schoolboy who fairly regularly committed some schoolboy crimes that were viewed by my superiors as extremely wicked, I received corporal punishment. On one occasion the cane was even administered to my tender behind in front of my assembled classmates. This punishment certainly stayed, both in my mind and elsewhere, for some considerable time without doing any permanent damage to my brain. I knew what to expect if I

committed the same crime again and found myself understandably reluctant to repeat offend. It is my belief that I profited from this, at the time acceptable, action by learning good from bad and the penalties to be paid for taking the wrong route. I believe that I became a better person although there were many who saw these punishments as being totally barbaric and mind destroying. At this same time if a really serious crime such as murder was committed you could expect to pay the ultimate penalty and forfeit your own life in one way or another. But even for what was then perceived as a slightly lesser crime such as rape the penalty was severe, and you

were seldom left in a position where you could become a repeat offender. Is it right that a murderer, rapist or child molester should be sentenced to some relatively short period behind prison walls, or even worse a reasonably small bail amount, allowing the criminal freedom to repeat offend? After all, the victim is either dead or scarred for life. Perhaps, in line with modern thinking, my thoughts would be seen as far too extreme. But I do sincerely believe that the criminal justice system needs to once again be reviewed in order to make the penalty more of a crime deterrent than it currently is.

Trellidor New Franchise Ownership

umashan and Pragasen Govender of Trellidor are proud and extremely excited about their brand new venture where they have recently acquired ownership of the Durban West Trellidor Franchise. In their first month of trading, they have already achieved an outstanding figure of 267 units. Pragasen states that this is due to their excellent team who are prepared to go beyond their call of duty in assisting them to succeed. Trellidor offers a variety of products to suit the customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. The new product Clear Guard has proven a successful hit with consumers as it is aesthetically appealing. Sumashan states that he is confident in the success of their future.

Back Row (L to R) Mr Sumashan Govender, John Behrmann, Pragasen Govender Front Row (L to R) Ashie Pillay, Elaine Govender 7

ER N O W

A D N

T EN

AWESOME PRIZES! 1ST PRIZE: Ottimo Microwave oven plus Platinum Stand Blender plus Platinum Egg Boiler plus Urban Hair product hamper 2ND PRIZE: Mugg & Bean dinner voucher for two plus Blockbusters – rental of 8 videos plus Jackies Beauty – Hot stone massage Voucher value R250 3RD PRIZE: Costume Pearl earrings plus Soho wallet plus Two handbags from Surf News plus Gateway Health Vitamins and Minerals Hamper value R200

Simply tell us how many differences you can spot in the cartoons and you could win some of these fantastic prizes only at Westville Mall! (Original top cartoon supplied by Sgt.Stephen Clark from his book “Greycop”. )

RULES: Spot the number of differences between the 2 cartoons. To enter,

Name_ ___________________________________________ Address_ _________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________ Tel (b)_ ___________________ (h)______________________ Cell______________________ Answer__________________

email us the number of differences with your details to: win@crimezero. co.za or cut out and post the completed section into the CRIMEZERO Spot the Difference Competition Box by our CrimeZero magazine rack, Westville Mall. Employees and relatives of CrimeZero and Westville Mall may not enter. Competition closes on 18th November 2011 and winners will be notified by phone or email. Prizes may not be exchanged for cash. Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winner will be requested to have his/her photo taken.

Talking About

Kids In Cars

Are we putting them in mortal danger? the value or power of the one in front does not give you the right to drive like an animal. Some of you need to cool down, put your egos in a box and get to your destination in one piece.

his is a sensitive as well as a deadly serious issue. It needs to be addressed and you as a reader need to take heed of the advice I put forward. One day you should take the opportunity, next time you crawl past an accident scene, to have a good look at what a couple of tons of metal does to a human body. I do not mean to gross you out, but it’s a reality, and I’m human too. I’ve got to stand there and pick up the pieces. Literally. The human body is not designed to decelerate from 120km/h to zero in less than a few meters.

... these children’s lives are in your hands.” I have no idea why, but some of us believe we are a cross between Formula 1 and World Rally drivers and the M-13 is our personal race track. On top of this, every morning coming to work I drive among the parents taking kids to school and what I see shakes me to the core. While you are about to break the speed limit on the way to the school, tell me what are you thinking allowing your seven or eight year old to stand on the front passenger seat of the car while you are driving? Where do you think he is going to go if you crash, or even brake hard? The exact same goes for parents who allow their children to stand or sit between the front seats. If you think you are able to hold them back under heavy braking, then Einstein was an idiot. The force of inertia of that twentysomething kilogram child is far more than you could ever handle. To the Rally drivers out there, it’s not all about you or your skill. What happens when the idiot in front of you does something you didn’t expect? Do I really need to start talking about following distances here? A lot of you seem to think that two meters away from a back bumper at 100 km/h is quite acceptable. Because your car is twice

Why, you may ask, am I getting so graphic about this topic? It is simply because it makes me absolutely furious. My colleagues and I have begged, pleaded and even warned parents about how they drive with their children, but clearly, we don’t know what we are talking about, because every day, I see the same thing over and over. Under the new Children’s Act, it will be interesting to see parents in court for negligently killing or at least endangering their own children in car accidents. What are they going to plead? You didn’t know that child seats are available to buy or you thought a four year olds right place is standing on the front seat? Your on board computer was wrong saying you were doing 140 in a 100 zone? I challenge you that the simple test of the “Reasonable Man” will get you convicted and punished for your stupidity. These children’s lives are in your hands, if we love our children as much as I hope you do, why are we putting them in mortal danger every time they get in the car? Don’t blame the kid. You made them, you train them. If you haven’t set the rules from baby age as to where a child is to be placed in a car, that is your fault! You are the adult. Once I stopped a woman who had her two-year old on her lap while she was driving. “The baby cries when I put him in the car seat.” she said. I put to her that the baby wont cry when she brakes and her body crushes him against the steering wheel, or the air bag explodes in his face, and let her finish the idea. “Sorry” after the incident will not bring back one life and you will live the rest of your days knowing that through your negligence or laziness, your child died. Children must sit in the back in proper child seats or if they are old enough, with a seatbelt on. There is no grey area. Its your life, take it seriously. by Sgt. Stephen Clark 9

Why use a Member of MasterBuilders KZN?

he Association expects its members to maintain a high standard of conduct and efficiency and has accordingly drawn up a code of conduct to which all members are required to adhere. Complaints against one of our Members are treated very seriously. After ascertaining all the facts, we are usually able to mediate a mutually-acceptable resolution. However, if one of our Members is found guilty of transgressing the code of conduct, they can be suspended or expelled.

How to find a Member for your project?

Find-a-Builder - www.findabuilder.co.za The Find-a-Builder module on our website allows you to search through our database of Members to find a contractor or sub-contractor, who will be able to assist you with your project. You are able to drill down using a number of different search criteria, including category, sub-category and site location. Find a Supplier - http://www.masterbuilders.co.za/ findasupplier.htm The Find-a-Supplier tool works in much the same way as the Find-a-Builder tool and enables the public and Members to search for a wide range of suppliers who provide goods or services to the Building and Construction Industry. Contact us – 0861 001 106 | www.masterbuilders.co.za If you do not have access to the Internet or are finding it difficult to access the information required, feel free to phone us at any time. We can either guide you through the process or look up the information required on your behalf.

Dawncliffe Community Forum in Westville Growing !

he Dawncliffe Community Forum (DCF) was formed in May/June this year. The purpose is to re-instate the hut scheme in Dawncliffe and create a sense of community in the area and the entire Westville area. Dawncliffe was protected by the hut scheme for about 10 years, until April 2011, when the Dawncliffe Residents Association, (the committee for the area at the time) were forced to close it down due to lack of support. The approach of the DCF has been to appoint 50 willing street captains, to approach neighbours and get them to buy into a revived security initiative and re-instate the huts. This would only be done once a 70% commitment had been reached in the area, which comprises of 360 homes out of a possible 520. To date, 300 homes have committed, and it is believed the target will be reached by the end of September. A website is being developed (www.dawncliffe.com) which will have links to Westbeat, CPF and any other operational forums keen to get involved. This website will also communicate with the Dawncliffe neighbourhood. The DCF have regular meetings with street captains to update information and progress. This will be extended to the entire community in time to come once it is operational. The plan is to grow from strength to strength with the involvement of the community and continue the initiative into the future for the benefit of all. For enquiries contact Greg Cox telephone: 083 225 9311 or email: greg@kwikfreight.co.za

Article

What kind of

Role Model are you? What Examples are we setting for our youth? by Justin Foxton

ur youth – particularly our young men - are living perilously close to the edge when it comes to crime. Research shows that the overwhelming majority of violent and property crime in South Africa is committed by young lads in their teens and early twenties. This group is also disproportionately vulnerable to becoming victims of crime by virtue of their somewhat riskier, testosterone-led lifestyles. “But our junior is a good boy” we bluster nervously “and good boys don’t get caught up in crime!” If only this was true. Those dearest to us aside, the fact that so much crime involves our young men gives us a big clue as to where our preventative efforts should be focused. You see if most crime is committed by young men - and we have one of the highest crime rates in the world - then we can assume that our male moral compass is not just slightly faulty, it’s in pieces and urgently in need of repair. In short, we need to take responsibility for our young male charges. So what is going wrong with our boys? Why are they ending up on the wrong side of the law? Is it simply testosterone’s fault as some suggest? Surely not as many red-blooded blokes manage to keep on the right side of the law. Is it all to do - as others suggest with violence on TV and in video games and the music of the day? Or could it be to do with their upbringing or lack thereof? There are seldom easy answers where crime is concerned and more often than not causes come in combinations. What concerns me is that we very seldom see adults sticking up their hands and saying “Hi, my name is Justin and I’m a rubbish role model”. We will

blame everything else for the fact that our youth is growing up dysfunctional - the media, the government, the education system, music, lack of discipline, friends. It’s never us. I don’t want to get school-masterish here, but let’s begin at the very beginning. What example are we setting for our youth? Is it one that will serve as a beacon when they are stranded at life’s cross roads? Is it a standard under which they can successfully stride through life, free of the shackles and burdens that come with lawlessness, moral torpor and vagueness of values?

lives we need only look in the mirror. What about our conversations? Are we spending quality time talking with our youngsters? Do we raise up values of lawfulness, respect, equality, dignity, concern for all mankind and hope for our nation? Our youth is in desperate need of strong and loving adult mentorship. Let us be the change that we want to see in their lives.

...it’s the so called petty crimes and minor injustices that create a fertile seedbed of lawlessness.” Quite simply, if our country’s crime levels are to drop, we need to begin to set the agenda for our youth concerning the law and where we as adults stand in relation to it. This is tricky. How do we set an agenda of lawfulness and morality for our young when we ourselves violate that agenda every day of our lives? Do we still hold the antiquated view that kids should “do as we say not as we do”? Let’s hope not. “But I’m a law abiding citizen” we plead as we drive along nattering into our cell phones. We need to get one thing straight - it’s the so called petty crimes and minor injustices that create a fertile seedbed for lawlessness in our nation - speeding, going through red robots, driving after having a few beers, bribing traffic officers, littering, disrespecting women or people of other colours. Yes, these behaviours are criminal. Our kids watch and imitate. If we want a glimpse into the crystal ball of their

Flipside tip: Commit to setting an example of excellence to your kids and other young people in your life. By obeying the laws – big and small – and living a life of honesty, integrity and respect, we set boundaries in which our kids can live productive, crime-free lives. Consider mentoring a young person in need in your community. Just one hour a week of your time and energy can make an enormous difference. These simple actions will help to create an atmosphere in which peace and safety flourish and crime drops.

Justin Foxton is founder of national awareness campaign “Stop Crime Say Hello”. This article first appeared in The Mercury 11

Is there life after Abortion? information supplied by Daniele Gradwell

ften when a woman has had an abortion, the first feeling is relief. If she didn’t want anyone to know about the pregnancy, the abortion has removed all potential problems. But more and more we see women experiencing other, more negative feelings about their abortion. It may only be months or even years later that these feelings and symptoms start surfacing. These feelings and symptoms can affect her life and future relationships and often she is not aware that they are connected to the abortion.

Post-abortion syndrome means that a woman may be unable to: • Work through the fear, anger, sadness and guilt surrounding her abortion • Grieve the loss of her baby • Come to peace with herself both spiritually and emotionally as well as with others involved in the abortion and may even include those not directly involved Some symptoms of post abortion stress may include: • Nightmares and flashbacks about

... a 3 minute procedure that can haunt a woman for the rest of her life.” Many women go through denial and block out the abortion experience by pretending it never happened. Although this is often the body’s way of protecting itself in coping with the feelings involved, the reality is that the abortion experience has not gone away and those scars are buried deep down. Post-abortion syndrome is the name given when a woman who is postabortive starts to experience negative and destructive feelings.

The Pregnancy Resource Centre is a life affirming organisation that offers a confidential post abortion recovery programme to facilitate healing as well as crisis pregnancy counselling, accommodation in our mother home, a prevention education programme, single mom assistance and other programmes to help bring hope to women facing crisis pregnancies. Call us on 0319037359 or email at prctoti@saol.com. Website: www.pregnancycent.co.za. 12

• • • •

the abortion experience Affected by reminders of babies, pregnant women and children Depression Increased sexual and abusive relationships Abuse of alcohol or drugs

Ironically, women sometimes choose abortion to save their relationship with the baby’s father but studies show that more than half of these relationships break up after an abortion decision.

Because almost all abortions are done in secret, individuals or couples are forced to put a lid on their feelings in the hope that they will simply go away. If a woman doesn’t have a clear set of beliefs about abortion, she will most likely make a decision based on her circumstances especially if the pregnancy is a crisis one. Fear and panic will play a major part in the decision process. But, even when abortion seems to be the only way forward, many women still feel their conscience pulling in the opposite direction. Abortion is often described as a 3 minute procedure that can haunt a woman for the rest of her life. As women try to cope with the suppressed emotional trauma for a long time before asking for help, we tend to see women at our crisis centre who had an abortion eight or ten years ago. Many women do not receive adequate counselling before an abortion and the counselling, if any, is mostly about the procedure. They are often not told what they are letting themselves into when it comes to emotional and physical after-effects. Many women feel that if they were told all the facts, they would have understood the implications and coped better with the after-effects of the termination.

Daniele Gradwell (far left) is the Centre Director for The Pregnancy Resource Centre

A Career Dedicated To Serving The Highway Community

his month Paul Romeril, Sales Director at Blue Security celebrates his 10th anniversary in the private security industry. Add to this his 15 years’ experience in the police, and here you have a man who knows a lot about policing and security.

we have made sure that we have had enough hands on deck to ensure that our customers remain the focus of our business.

Paul has spent the bulk of his working career serving the people of the Highway area and is well-known among the community. He is a homegrown Durban boy and after matriculating Paul joined the SAPS. Paul’s extensive policing career saw him specialising as a crime scene expert and a dog handler with the Westville Protection Service before leaving the police to join the private security sector. With a working career reflecting a constant theme of care and service, Paul says that he feels very privileged to be the Sales Director at Blue Security because the company shares his sentiments of serving the community with care and passion. “Being here for people and providing people with personal attention is the essence of Blue Security,” says Paul. “Although we are the biggest privately owned security company in Durban, as we have grown

areas experiencing an increase in crime as a deterrent to criminals. We have the largest number of armed response vehicles operating in the Upper Highway area and we are the only private security company in South Africa where the technicians and security consultants are SAIDSA trained and approved.” “We keep abreast of the rapid changes in technology in the security industry through on-going and regular training workshops and by attending security conferences.” After living in Westville for 20 years Paul has now moved a little further up the hill and is happily settled in Hillcrest where he enjoys the freshness of this suburb. He does, however, admit to missing the friendly faces of Westville.

Paul Romeril, Sales Director of Blue Security, celebrates his 10th anniversary in the private security industry in September.

“Blue Security is also an innovative company. We are the only security company that has a Tactical Crime Prevention Unit which we deploy in

Paul is first and foremost a family man who loves spending time with his fiancé and family. Paul’s two daughters live overseas and Paul’s twin sons both coach for the Westville Boys’ Sport Division. The Romerils were over-themoon three months ago when they welcomed a precious little granddaughter to the family.

Community Initiatives

Well done to Community & The Rotary Club Westville Cares Day 20th August 2011

he Rotary Club of Westville is again thanked for organising this fun filled day. On this day many of us Westville people get together to work together to improve our town and build new friendships and so build a feeling of community. With our gated properties, high walls and security systems in place we no longer pop in to see a neighbour or meet the people who have moved in next door. Westville Cares Day tries to undo this and also to build a pride in our community. We had great fun in the Palmiet NR where the Wandsbeck Scouts together with the Westville Boys High pulled great quantities of litter and rubbish out of the Palmiet River before it was washed into the sea to kill our marine animals. This included among the heap of rubbish an enormous tractor tyre, a bale of fencing wire and bits of furniture. They also dragged out a heavy container of glass that had come down the cliff from the Reserves neighbours along Jan Hofmeyr Road besides pieces of unidentifiable metal. Twenty three indigenous trees were planted along the fence of Jimmy Bellows Sports Field and a very good job was done by the girls from Westville High School and the Guides in Jubilee Park. Every Year they have made a good dent into the Invasive Alien Plants and at the same time added to the enjoyment that many have in walking this lovely park. There were many other clean-up projects all over Westville as well as treating the senior citizens to a wonderful tea at the Country Club! All together a day of community and fun - thank you Rotary and to everyone involved! Jean Senogles

Photo (L to R) at the back: Nkosinathi Msomi, Kevin Harvey, Zanele Ngubo, Michelle Shapira, Michelle Murphy, Nomkhosi Manyathi, Lisa Brokensha, Ken Christie, Yvonne Christie Front Row (L to R): Lynn Frier, Jabu Cele, Debbie Harvey, Cheryl Robertson

WINNER!

Safetynet is running a 6 week training course held at Westville SAPS for the new intake of Volunteers who assist the police on care-giving when victims have been traumatised. The course covers tracking of trauma and debriefing skills also grief, suicide and domestic violence and abuse.

From left to right

Mr Hylton Henry, Owner, and Mogie Benjamin, Manageress of Pick â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Pay Westville in the Village Market presenting the fantastic prizes of R1000 gift card, a hamper of Lindt chocolate and a Monopoly game to the winner, Mr Ken Bramley of Westville. Shirley Palmer of CrimeZero magazine shows the competition page in which the answer was 12 differences (description of the differences on the website: www.crimezero.co.za) 14

USEFUL MUNICIPAL DETAILS Please be pro-active when there are problems in your area i.e Street lights out of order, contact the relevant department to sort it out. Email your local councillor with photos and information for them to follow up if nothing is done about your complaint. Switchboard for Ethekwini: 031 311 1111 Cleaning and Solid Waste: 031 311 8804 Electricity: Faults, Street Lights, Illegal Connections and Cable Theft etc â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 080 131 3111 Engineering Services Centre:Replacement of Manhole Covers, Repairs of Roadside Fencing, Sidewalk and Kerb Repairs, Road Marking, Street Signs, Faulty Traffic Signals etc Email: eservices@dmws.durban.gov.za 080 131 3013 Environment: 031 311 7875 Emergency Services: Fire, Disaster Management, Metro Police: 031 361 0000 Health: Air Pollution, Illegal Dumping, Vector Control, etc : 031 311 3555 Ombudsperson & Head Investigations: Reporting fraud, corruption email: ombudsperson@durban.gov.za/ fax 031 311 4115 tel: 080 020 2020 Parks: 031 201 1303 Fallen trees after hours 080 131 3013 Verges - 031 311 5722/24 Refuse Removal: 031 311 8824 Water W/Faults, W/Pollution, Stormwater Maintenance 080 131 3013

A Crime Prevention Initiative supported by the Westville, Pinetown & Kloof SAPS

www.crimezero.co.za WESTVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

PINETOWN COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

031 267 7340 • 031 267 7341 031 267 7346 • 031 267 7347 031 267 7348 • 031 267 7374 031 267 7375 • 031 361 0000

031 325 5078 • 031 325 5079 031 325 5080 • 031 325 5081 031 325 5082 • 031 325 5083

(Metro Inner West)

email: westville-saps@saps.org,za CUSTOMER CARE LINE 082 418 1321

www.westbeat.org.za

email: pinetown-saps@saps.org.za KLOOF COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

031 764 2334 • 031 764 1470 • 031 764 3524

SAPS Emergency Number 10111, SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111, Stop Women Abuse Hotline 0800 150 150, Childline 0800 05 55 55, SAPS National Firearms Call Centre 012 353 6111, SA Fraud Prevention Service 0860 10 1248, SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) 031 303 2202 / 031 202 2241, Life Line 033 394 4444, Open Door Crisis Centre 031 709 6688 / 031 709 2679, Careline Rehabilitation Centre 031 765 1587, Ambulances - ER24: 084 124, Netcare: 082 911, MRI: 0800 111 990 Website for SA Police Service : www.saps.gov.za

email: kloof-saps@saps.org.za