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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011, issue#7
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Using DNA to Solve Crimes...................Pg
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What Are Your Kids Watching?...............................Pg
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Stop Crime by Creating Peace..........................Pg
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www.crimezero.co.za
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
www.crimezero.co.za
by Richard Palmer
It is hard to believe that we are already well into 2011 and CrimeZero is almost one year old! So what sort of a year has it been as far as the magazine is concerned? Very interesting to say the least. I have discovered that we are indeed fortunate to have the police force that we have. With all the problems, excitement and events that took place during 2010, they have done us proud. It is time for us to take the positive approach and acknowledge just how much is being done and put a stop to the prophets of doom.
Cover Picture: Justin Foxton
INDEX
The message is about what we can put in and not what we can get out. Working together and taking responsibility is without doubt the only way to achieve a better and safer environment to live in. Yes, there are areas for improvement, especially in some areas of municipality like grass cutting, street lighting for instance and these I’m sure, will be investigated. Again, it’s a case of placing people in positions where they will take responsibility. Let’s hope the new system of blacklisting companies that don’t carry out their tasks properly will have a positive effect. Overall, we also hope CrimeZero can play a part in bringing awareness where these improvements are required.
Letter From The Editor.............................................. 2
Crime, sadly, is a world wide problem, but we believe that much can be achieved in the area of prevention by getting involved and working together. CrimeZero is just one small tool that can help in bringing the people together, the rest is up to us.
Be Nice to People? by Justin Foxton........................ 9
Westville CPF............................................................ 3 Gillitts Park Update.................................................... 4 Hillcrest CPF.............................................................. 5 Pro-Act Neighbourhood Watch.................................. 6 Pinetown CPF........................................................... 7 P.G. T.V...................................................................... 8
DNA CSI by Caroline Hancock................................ 10 An Opinion by Julian Carter.................................... 11 Overgrown Bushes can Hamper your Safety.......... 12
WESTVILLE CPF MEETINGS The importance of attending the WESTVILLE COMMUNITY POLICE FORUM (CPF) cannot be over emphasised. 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.
February 15 - 6pm Westville Baptist Hall - Church Street (Opposite Spar Shopping Centre)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SPEAKER: COL. STEWART from the Westville SAPS The Colonel will be speaking about the new drug Whoonga and the truth about the drug.
March 15 - 6pm Westville Baptist Hall - Church Street (Opposite Spar Shopping Centre)
GUEST SPEAKER: PETER BURKE
Peter Burke was born into a military family and following tradition, spent over twenty years in the South African Defence Force. His duties, mostly classified, gave him an exceptionally unique view on the country, its political and business climate changes. Now, Peter runs his own consulting firm, giving strategic business advice to his clients. He returns to talk to the Westville CPF for the second time in support of the community, police and business enterprises in the area. 2
Metro Report........................................................... 13 On the Lighter Side................................................. 14
Editorial
Editor
Contributors
Advertising
Contributions/Enquiries Tel: 031 266 8058 E-mail: info@crimezero.co.za Richard Palmer E-mail: richard@crimezero.co.za Westville, Pinetown & Hillcrest CPFs, Julian Carter, Const. Stephen Clark (WSAPS), Jill Clark (Gillitts Park), Justin Foxton (Stop Crime Say Hello), Dr Carolyn Hancock (DNA Project), Metro Police. 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. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of CrimeZero, it’s members or the editor.
WESTVILLE CPF
BUST OF THE MONTH Recovery of firearms in Westville The SPUR WESTWOOD BUST OF THE MONTH goes to Constable Morgan Govender who followed up on a lead, arrested a businessman and recovered 12 firearms. The accused ran a security company and part of the firearms permits only allowed for the weapons to be stored aboard a ship. He, however, had the weapons lying around in his home, most of which were not even in a safe. This is a potential danger to the public at large, as those firearms could have easily been stolen. The Firearms Control Act 2000 is very clear as to how firearms are to be stored. Const. Morgan Govender rightly deserves the honour of December Bust of the Month and thanks to Spur Coyote Canyon for sponsoring the prize of meal vouchers. Right: Kevin Harvey (Chairman of the Westville CPF) being presented with the meal vouchers to the value of R500 on behalf of Constable Morgan Govender. Left: Bruce Geneson (Owner of Spur Westwood Centre)
Const. Govender’s photo has not appeared for security reasons.
BLAIR ATHOLL ACTION!
SAPS chase down serious criminals... On Friday 28 January 2011, members of Westville SAPS Crime Prevention were patrolling Westville North when they spotted a suspicious blue Mercedes Kompressor. They proceeded to do a radio check on the vehicle when it began to speed away. The police gave chase and the Mercedes crashed against a wall between Palmiet and Jan Hofmeyer Roads. The three suspects in the Merc burst out of the vehicle and began shooting at the police officials, one crook firing away with an AK47 assault rifle. Very fortunately none of the incoming bullets hit either of the policemen who managed to shoot back in defence, allegedly hitting at least two of the suspects. The trio of criminals managed to stagger down a driveway and hijack a Renault Clio and sped off. A radio call got every policeman in the area rushing to assist and a hunt for the suspects began. Metro and SAPS dog units scoured the area and a second pursuit ensued in Sydenham. A short time later, the drama was over with one suspect deceased and a second wounded and arrested. The third escaped on foot. Detectives are following up all leads on the last criminal and an arrest is expected. The wounded suspect is under close police guard in hospital, the deceased suspect is exactly where he should be. In a fridge with a toe tag. The scene on Blair Atholl Road was cordoned off as police detectives descended onto the scene and all exhibits including spent cartridges and personal property of the criminals were photographed, carefully
itemised and collected as evidence. A second AK47 as well as a semi automatic pistol were recovered in the Mercedes. Investigation is still ongoing as to the motives of the trio of criminals. Were they transporting the weapons or on their way to a heist? These answers will come to light as detectives do their work. Many onlookers were coming to their own conclusions and it must be cautioned not to spread unfounded rumours for publicity points. While I was there, someone said to me that the scene was “scary”. I supported the comment but added that it was probably a bit more scary a few minutes earlier, much less scary now that two criminals and illegal assault rifles are off the road. Immensely good work by Westville SAPS, especially Constables Johnson and Goga who have been nominated for the January Bust of the Month. 3
HILLCREST CPF
GILLITTS PARK UPDATE We have had a relatively quiet Christmas.... there were a few incidents, but far, far less than is normal for this time of year. Almost everything we have to report occurred in January. This was borne out by the neighbouring areas which had a ‘normal’ Christmas with the criminals doing their fair share of Christmas shopping. Our relative peacefulness was just another indicator of the fact that our efforts are doing something, reducing the crime and forcing the bad elements to stay away from our area. There are six events which we have to report over Christmas. The total amount of goods stolen in Gillitts Park amounted to over R100 000. An important point to note : Out of 17 burglaries in the upper highway area, only 2 was there a mention of an alarm being set. Insurance companies are beginning to insist that the alarm is set before accepting a claim, which means we need to make use of the system if we have them. Most people who don’t use their alarms do so because they either have a fault, or they inadvertently set the alarm off. If you have a fault with your alarm system, we urge you.. contact your security company to have it fixed ! The burglar alarm is a key part of a home’s multi-layered defence and needs to be maintained. If you often accidentally set your alarm off, then it
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by Jill Clark
probably isn’t installed properly or you don’t understand properly how it works. Again, contact your security company to adjust the alarm in order to make it easier to use. Possibly a sensor needs to be moved to prevent false alarms, or a delay when entering or exiting needs to be extended. Whatever the problem, you need to learn how your alarm works and make it part of your habits to use the system. This will ensure that you can lodge claims successfully if you do get burgled and also will give you better peace of mind. We have now met our new Station Commander for Hillcrest Police Station - Col Kweyama who is certainly a breath of fresh air. He has instituted foot patrols for all members and considers the relationship with all community members as being vital to bringing crime under control. At the Hillcrest CPF (community policing forum) meeting, held the last Wednesday of each month, he detailed his enthusiasm, and commitment to us so I urge you to do the same and support Hillcrest Police Station with their revived passion and commitment. We need crime to be reported, we need issues to be addressed, so if you can’t make this CPF meeting, then let me know and I will get follow up for you. Contact Jill: jhclark@iafrica.com
HILLCREST CPF MEETINGS THE HILLCREST COMMUNITY POLICE FORUM (CPF) NEEDS YOU! Diarise these meetings: Every last Wednesday of the month at 6pm at HILLCREST LIBRARY February 23rd 2011 6pm Hillcrest Library March 30th 2011 - 6pm Hillcrest Library For further information phone 072 823 8999
HILLCREST CPF
A NEW COLONEL AT THE HELM
Hillcrest Community Police Forum welcomes their new Station Commander THE Hillcrest Community Forum had their first meeting of the year on Wed 26th January. Their new Station Commander, Colonel Kweyama, addressed the forum outlining his practical steps to curb the crime in Hillcrest. The forum was encouraged by the strong leadership and enthusiasm that the Colonel has shown since his transferral to the Hillcrest Police Station on the 1st December 2010. He shares his commitment to Hillcrest... "Our Vision is to create a safe and secure environment for all the people of Hillcrest. Policing is my passion and I would like the community of Hillcrest to understand that the war against crime can only be won when police and community form a synergy that is unbreakable. Be vigilant Be aware of your surroundings Report suspicious activities” “United we stand and divided we fall”
From left to right: Capt. Xulu, Head of CIAC (Crime analysis); Col. Kweyama, Station Commander addressing the CPF for the first time; Monica Bruun, Chairwoman of Hillcrest CPF and Anne Davey, CPF Secretary.
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PINETOWN CPF
BE PRO-ACTIVE Set up a neighbourhood watch in your area... Residents in suburbs need to become pro-active in setting up neighbourhood watches. We have the full support of our visible police commander Colonel Leon Mathyssen and our neighbourhoods all work hand in hand in fighting crime in Pinetown. Pro Act has set itself an ambitious target of setting up 100 neighbourhood watch cells by 31 December 2011. Looking back a year ago there were only 2 active watches in operation and today we have 15 networks all in the Pinetown area alone. The only way for communities to take a stand against criminals is to empower communities to know who their neighbour is and know what’s going on in their neighbourhood. Pro Act Neighbourhood Watch encourages people to get involved in their local CPF and set up neighbourhood watch cells in their streets made up of like-minded people committed to making a difference in their area. Criminal elements like brothels, illegal drug businesses, hijacking syndicates and kidnapping rings have been brought to book in the last 4 years in this way and Andreas Mathios Pro Act founder wonders how many criminal elements are living amongst law-abiding citizens in Durban alone.
Above: Cowies Hill Park Neighbourhood Watch that was set-up by Craig Hillderbrandt and Marvin Gillingwater with the help of Andreas Mathios (Founder of Pro Act Neighbourhood Watch). Here the community are busy with a clean-up project. If people want to start up neighbourhood watches they can contact our call centre to make an appointment and we will do a site presentation and give you the tools to set-up your own manageable operation. For further info on our detailed presentation please contact: Liesl 0829224535
POLICE FIND KIDNAPPED BABY But still looking for the snatcher A 16 year old mother of a one month old baby girl was on Tuesday 2011-01-18 at approximately 14:00 befriended by an unknown female whilst at the Pinetown Department of Home Affairs to register the baby. The newly found friend accompanied the mother to Pinetown taxi rank and offered to carry the baby. The young mother went into the shop to buy baby food and the suspect sneaked out of the shop with the baby and disappeared into the taxi rank. The hysterical mother later reported her ordeal to Pinetown police who immediately started tracing the baby and the suspect. A joint operation between Pinetown detectives and uniform members was launched. Numerous leads from the public were received and led the police to various areas including Umlazi, Kwa Ndengezi, Luganda, Cato Ridge and Hillcrest. The investigation intensified on Wednesday 2011-01-19 and the possible hide out of the suspect was identified in Shongweni reserve. The suspect smelt the rat and abandoned the baby girl in the house and fled. The police found the baby in good health and was later reunited with her ecstatic mother. 6
Above: W/O Sandile Msomi, Mabongi Mnduna (aunt to 1mnth old Nokulunga Ziyanda), Col Thandi Khumalo, Thandeka Khumalo (aunt) and D/Cst Sbusiso Hlophe. It has been established that the 26 year old suspect faked pregnancy to her boyfriend and would have been due for delivery in mid December 2010. The kidnapped baby was on the day of kidnapping presented to the suspect’s boyfriend as the suspect’s baby. The suspect has not yet been arrested and the police are confident that she will be traced and arrested soon. Any one with information of suspect’s whereabouts can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Sihle Ntuli 0826774282 or 0860010111.
PINETOWN CPF
BUST OF THE MONTH Well done for diligent work by Officer Ramsawak
Above (from left to right): Detective Warrant officer Arkash Ramsawak receiving the cheque from Andrew Mills (Boxer Marketing Director )
The BOXER BUST OF THE MONTH for November 2010 has been won by Detective Warrant Officer Arkash Ramsawak for conviction and sentencing of an armed robbery accused to effective fifteen years imprisonment. A shop was in 2002 robbed by three suspects who were armed with a firearm and knives. The three suspects were arrested and later released on bail. The third suspect absconded during the trial stage and his two accomplices were convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment for their involvement. A warrant of arrest was issued for the absconded accused and Warrant Officer Ramsawak was tasked to trace him. On 2009-10-29 Warrant Officer Ramsawak arrested the wanted suspect and placed him before court but was told that there was not sufficient evidence against him in the absence of the other accused. Warrant Officer Ramsawak applied for the accused to be remanded in custody for seven days whilst he traced the two co-accused who had been released on parole. During the seven days he traced the two and obtained statements from them and he successfully opposed bail on the third accused. It has been seven years after the incident occurred and the witnesses had relocated. Warrant Officer Ramsawak traced them as far as Eastern Cape and Pietermaritzburg and secured their attendance in court. The two accused who had served their sentences and the witnesses gave evidence against the third accused hence secured the conviction and sentence.
WELCOME TO COL. SUMAYELA Pinetown SAPS welcomed a new detective head...... Pinetown SAPS welcomed a new detective head during the month of December. CRIMINALS and corrupt detectives should be very afraid as the new Pinetown SAPF head of detective services is no friend of criminals and corruption. Colonel Dumisani Sumayela, the new head said he started his career in police service in 1986 in Newcastle SAPF. He took over as the head of detectives in 1995 when he first moved to Durban. He’s been the head for 16 years in various stations including KwaMakhutha, Umlazi, Chatsworth, Inanda, Berea and now Pinetown. "I’m not here to make drastic changes. I’m here to fix things that are not working and make those working, best. Criminals must know that if they commit crime they cannot relax because we are here for a purpose, that is to work for the community. They (the criminals) should know that they have no
space to breathe; they are wanted." The husband and a father of three was born and bred in Madadeni, in Newcastle. He joined Pinetown SAPF on 7 December 2010 and had 47 arrests in various crimes on his arrival. "As the head, it’s very important to motivate members. If they do well that should be acknowledged.” He also said that the support and understanding from his family make his job a whole lot easier. Col Sumayela has urged the public to report their suspicions if detectives have been involved in corruption. "Just like Brig Owen Zama, I hate corruption. It works very well if the management is on the same page. Corrupted members will be dealt with," he said. Col Sumayela has introduced weekly raids for criminals on reported cases, which has made an enormous impact in solving several cases which are under investigation.
PINETOWN CPF MEETINGS Pinetown South Sub-Forum:
1st Monday at 05:30pm at Red Point Church, Ashley. Next Meeting: 7 Feb & 7 Mar 2011
Pinetown Sub-Forum:
2nd Thursday at 06:00pm at Pinetown Civic Centre. Next Meetings: 10 Feb (AGM) & 10 Mar 2011
Kloof Sub-Forum: 2nd Monday at 06:00pm at Kloof SAPS Satelite Station Next Meetings: 14 Feb & 14 Mar 2011
Wyebank Sub-Forum: 3rd Thursday at 06:30pm at Wyebank Islamic Centre, Wyebank Road. Next Meetings: 17 Feb & 17 Mar 2011
New Germany Sub-Forum: 2nd Tuesday at 06:00pm at New Germany Library. Next Meetings: 8 Feb & 8 Mar 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: 12 Feb (AGM) & 12 Mar 2011
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P.G. T.V.
TV..does it become a surrogate caregiver? It’s amazing to think that the launch of TV in South Africa was delayed because of an ultra-conservative communications Minister. Dr Albert Hertzog was quoted saying: “Television will be a miniature bioscope over which parents would have no control.” Forty years later, you decide if he was right.
For many parents, TV has become the surrogate caregiver for a child 5 to 11 years old. Plop the kid in front of the box, tune in to KTV, Cartoon Network or whatever and the mindless drivel will keep them rooted to the spot and entertained until they starve to death. Now I know what you are going to say, because I’ve had it already. You are going to tell me that it keeps the kids quiet and you get some peace. Fair enough. Another friend tells me if his kids wake up early on a weekend, they are allowed to switch on TV and watch quietly. That is a really good arrangement, Mom and Dad do deserve a few hours extra kip on Sunday. I’m not questioning why your kids watch TV; I’m questioning what they watch and what they are gleaning from it. Here, I’m not acting overly hysterically spiritual, but there is barely a kids program or series that does not involve demons, spirits, spells, sorcery or air bending. If you had to break down the elements of the show’s story, what is evil and what is good according to the characters? Every second series now features children with magical somethings that turn them into powerful monsters that achieve I don’t know what except “beating the other guy” and moving up some ranking system. Looking at some shows, do we really condone the levels of violence depicted as entertainment? I’m an adult. I watch WWE wrestling and laugh loudly at the antics. But why did they recently have to put disclaimers and warnings throughout the show begging children “not to emulate the moves at home or at school”? What went wrong? Whose kid got injured? I have also noted age restrictions have changed. Movies which content I clearly remembered as having no under 18, now barely get a PG 13. Are our modern kids tougher? Are their brains more resilient to violence and decapitated bodies? Or are we on the post-apartheid liberal, anything goes high, and are happy ultra violence and pornography is available at video shops? What is this trash teaching our kids about morals? What happened to story telling? Surely, if you took note of what your children watched this would ring a bell? Or, don’t you care as long as they are quiet and out of your hair?
“I’m not questioning why your kids watch TV; I’m questioning what they watch and what they are gleaning from it.” Why is the TV considered the ultimate entertainment source for our children if we don’t really take cognizance of what is being viewed? What happened to reading books, colouring in, drawing a picture or building something out of Lego? (There are of course video games, but 90% of them are rehashed from TV anyway. I really hope jobs in the future will pay tens of thousands for qualified, violent alien hunters and spell binders.) 8
Moving on to older children up to and including teens, the issue becomes one of personality development. The feeling I get when I encounter children of all ages is that our youth have lost the ability to develop a unique identity of their own and even have their own idiosyncrasies. They wear the exact same style caps at exactly the same angle, they talk exactly like people do in movies and yet claim to be individuals. Bits of language like “my bad”, “wazzuuup” and “girrl freend” said with the appropriate head and hand gestures are derived from where? Do our youth actually have an identity or a persona of their own or are they robotic subjects of American Hip Hop culture blasted through TV, movies and music videos? Are media basically dictating what your child is going to grow up like or are you hoping they will just get over it one day?
“We need to really take an interest in what is influencing our children and decide for them if it is appropriate or not.” In conclusion, my father thought I was a Satanist during the ‘80’s because I listened to Guns ‘n’ Roses. Now as an adult, even though I still like that type of music, I can see where he was coming from. He grew up in the 1950’s when language of that nature would have got you hung from the nearest bridge. Now what do we have? A five second droning voice telling a viewer that “parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers”. Are we really taking a critical, informed view on what goes in through our children’s’ eyes and ears? We need to really take an interest in what is influencing our children and decide for them if it is appropriate or not. I certainly am not saying ban kids from TV, there are plenty of good movies, but we need to stimulate their minds by offering alternatives. I care for the youth as much as you do your children. Let’s provide them a healthy mind and spirit to go with a healthy body.
by Const. Stephen Clark
BE NICE TO PEOPLE...ARE YOU KIDDING? Is creating peace a viable option? “What a load of claptrap!” gurgled my Uncle Reggie whilst he slurped his Hansa and pointed threateningly at me with a stick of droe wors. The occasion was Auntie Liz’s birthday party, but things had gone pear shaped pretty much from the word go. It all began when Reggie overheard a conversation between me and an old cousin of ours named Simon (who oddly enough comes from Simonstown.) As I do, I was explaining to Simon that crime - especially of the violent type - is often perpetrated by people who themselves have been abused or maltreated in some way. I suggested that if we are to create a peaceful South Africa, we will need to reach out to one another in small ways that help to heal the scars of the past.
by Justin Foxton around in tie-died pantaloons munching organic muesli and wearing flea market sandals. All of us - police included - have to be as concerned about peace creation as we are about fighting crime. Just as an aside, one of my first experiences of a major rock concert was seeing U2 at London’s Wembley stadium in about 1992. My friend and I queued for hours so as to be the first ones in. Even all those years ago we commented on the conduct of the crowd; 70 000 ecstatic fans all drinking, all over excited and all as calm and peaceful as you like. Every once in a while a Bobby (armed only with a truncheon) would trot up to groups of inebriated fans on his horse, say something typical like, “you all ‘avin a good time then lovelies?” and leave after a cheer and some innocent banter. One even got into the swing of things and said; “I still haven’t bloody found what I’m looking for!” to thunderous applause.
Reggie’s ears were burning – he could barely contain himself. Spurred on by Simon’s obvious approval, I shifted gear and went for broke; “Even dignifying people in simple ways like saying hello has a powerful effect on people’s psyche.” Reggie could contain himself no longer: “Are you seriously asking me to believe that crime can be solved by being nice to one another? Is that your big solution to nearly 17000 murders every year? We must just somma make like Lionel Ritchie and say hello? What bunk!” I must admit that I could see his point. Like so many South Africans, Reggie and my Auntie Liz have been victims of violent crime. Our first reaction to dreadful criminal incidents is usually not to fight fire with peace. We still believe that the only way to fight fire is with more fire. Of course this is, in part, correct. When crimes are committed the perpetrators must be caught and face the full force of the law. But this wasn’t really what Simon and I were talking about. Before Reggie got in on the act, I was explaining that along with a strategy to ‘fight crime’, we also need a parallel strategy of ‘creating peace’. If all we do is create more capacity to handle more crime i.e. more police, more guns and more courts, we will never stamp out crime as the roots of the problem will remain. We will always be solving crime cases; always slamming the stable door after the horse has bolted.
“All of us - police included - have to be as concerned about peace creation as we are about fighting crime.” But surely peace creation is not an issue for Bheki Lightyear and his team in blue? Shouldn’t they be taking care of catching the badies and all the bunny-huggers out there be taking a drag on their organic, home-grown tobacco and giving the peace sign? Well herein lies the boerie roll. We have to move on from the stereotype of peace creation being all about hippies and tree huggers sitting
You see generally, truncheons beget more truncheons. Guns beget more guns. Peace begets more peace and violence begets more violence. This is why our current policing strategy for stamping out violence is so scary. We are killing hundreds of people using the latest coverall insurance policy of “we returned fire”. These incidents are then proudly publicized under vote garnering headlines like “Got em!” and “Nowhere to hide!” Could be George W Bush on the war in Iraq couldn’t it. It just isn’t good enough. It isn’t good enough because we aren’t dealing with the problem. We aren’t tackling the root causes of violence in our society. We aren’t treating crime fighting and peace creation as two sides of the same coin. Flipside tip of the week: Greet people as you pass them by. Learn to say hello in their language. If you are part of a community policing forum, don’t just talk about fighting crime, talk about ways to create peace; organize an annual street braai at which everyone is welcome, don’t tolerate prejudice or racism in your CPF and make sure that the root causes of crime are always being looked at in tandem with attempts to stamp out crime. Justin Foxton is founder of national awareness campaign “Stop Crime Say Hello”. 9
The 21st Century Detective Information supplied by The DNA Project
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates and lowest conviction rates in the world. Criminals are not held accountable for their actions in a society that has become de-sensitised to the traumatic effects of crime on its people, economy and general morale. Murder, rape and violent crime have, sadly, become commonplace and every person living in South Africa has either been exposed to or affected by crime in some manner. The tenacious citizens of South Africa have braced themselves against this blight and searched for novel ways to prevail over crime. DNA profiling is a technologically advanced method of tackling crime and has been aptly called the 21st Century Detective.
relatives, even when no body can be found. DNA profiling can also link two or more crime scenes as when evidence from one crime scene is compared with evidence from another, the police can tell whether it was the same person who has committed two different crimes. Even very old cases, which the police thought would never be solved, may contain DNA evidence which can now be used to identify the person who committed that crime. However, just like fingerprints, DNA testing cannot tell the police when or for how long the suspect was at the crime scene.
What to do at the scene of a crime:
How does DNA profiling promote justice? Forensic DNA evidence plays a vital role in criminal investigations because it can: • Identify and help convict a suspect who is guilty of committing a crime. • Prove the innocence of a suspect who has been wrongly accused of a crime. What is DNA? Where is it found in the body? DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. This is the name for the chemical which is found in almost every cell in the human body and which is the "blueprint" or recipe for that individual's characteristics. Did you know that everyone's DNA is unique? (unless they have an identical twin!) A person's DNA is also exactly the same in EVERY cell of their body. For example, the DNA pattern, also known as the DNA profile, in a man's blood is the same as the DNA in his skin cells, body tissue, semen and saliva, which makes it possible to compare crime scene evidence such as semen stains, saliva on cigarette butts and blood on clothing, with DNA obtained from a blood sample or cheek scraping from a suspect. No wonder DNA is considered such a powerful tool for detecting and resolving crime! What is a DNA profile? How does DNA help to solve crimes? A DNA profile is simply a unique list of letters and numbers obtained from a person's DNA that acts as a personal identifier. A DNA profile contains NO information about a person's physical characteristics, their mental predisposition or anything about their medical history. In the same way as fingerprints link a suspect to a crime, DNA provides scientific evidence that can identify or exclude a suspect from a police investigation. It can also be used to identify a victim through DNA from
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Further information may be found at: www.dnaproject.co.za<http://www.dnaproject.co.za
ENCOURAGING A QUESTIONING NATURE
AN OPINION...
by Julian Carter
I do hope that by the time you read this you will have enjoyed a crime free 2010 Festive Season and found that the break from the routines of work have left you refreshed and ready to face 2011. It’s always been a rather disturbing fact that the celebration of any event, be it large or small, is inclined to distract us from the many things that should be, at least a part of, our regular mind-set. We should know that with crime at the present levels we must never drop our awareness of our surroundings, but when in the festive mood of enjoying a moment of celebration, or for that matter one of distress, it’s often perfectly normal to lose that sense of a natural awareness. Anything unusual or out of place should be questioned and, if a satisfactory explanation cannot be found precautionary measures, such as driving off and leaving alone, should immediately be taken. The criminal mind is such that he/she will always be on the lookout for an opportunity for easy
pickings. A gate left open, an open handbag carried in a shopping centre, expensive goods left in full view in an unattended vehicle, the distraction of a ringing cell phone answered or a car window left invitingly open at a stop street. I don’t believe that any self respecting criminal will go out of his/her way to find the unusually difficult opportunity, but will rather take the easier route. Perhaps it’s not so easy to habitually be conscious of what is going on around you at all times, but believe me it is most necessary in these somewhat troubled times we live in. You will almost certainly find that this constantly questioning habit, once acquired, may possibly even save your life when you are put into a situation of potential danger. Sometimes even when crime is not involved as part of the scene this habit will pay off. As good examples, the habit of regularly using your rear view mirror when driving, checking the surroundings when arriving home or when
bringing your vehicle to a halt at traffic light or stop street. Please try to consciously condition your mind to ask questions all the time. “What was that unusual noise?” “What was that movement behind the bush at the front gate?””Did I leave that door open when I went out?” The car that is parked in an unusual place or unusual way, or perhaps just looks a bit suspicious? Always have a proven and reliable policing authority number handy – SAPS – METRO or YOUR SECURITY COMPANY so that you can report instantly. I’m sure that you will join me in the wish to put the criminal element out of business in 2011. You really can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, so please just ask how you can help. And remember to be consciously conscious. GOOD LUCK!
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OVERGROWN BUSHES CAN HAMPER YOUR SAFETY
Left: an example of a home with better visibility reducing the risk of being targeted by a hi-jacker Right: an example of poor visibility by the drive way, increasing the risk of being a possible target
One of the single most expensive personal things most of us will ever buy will be the houses we live in. Criminals recognise your investment, and see it full of nice stuff that they want to steal. So, we go through the same process everyone else does: big fence with spikes, alarm, vicious Doberman, burglar guards and security gates….check! All right, now that we feel all cosy and safe, we try and make the place look nice, or, we don’t. Both can become a severe downfall crime wise. There is nothing wrong with having a beautiful garden, your Eden away from work and stress. Nice big trees, shrubs, all adding to the semi-rural village atmosphere we all enjoy. However, we don’t often think of our plants and shrubbery being a security risk or conversely, a security advantage. They didn’t say anything about that at the nursery. Look out at your garden at night. Lots of nice dark areas for what? People to hide in? Your verge falls into the same bracket. You will have to ask yourself if the nice leafy chest high bushes are enough to conceal someone either peering through your fence or waiting for an opportunity to hop over your wall. I’m certainly not suggesting you live in a Zen Sand Garden but care does need to be taken to keep plants, in and outside your yard, from providing too much cover for an intruder. Plants can work for you though. When I was young, I lost plenty of tennis balls in my neighbour’s thick bougainvillea hedge. If such a thing prevented me from retrieving toys, it would have gone a long way to stopping a crook ploughing through as well. Just an idea, but think about it. Aloe thorns have a notoriously painful prick. I would certainly think twice trying to get through a row of those plants without a bullet proof vest and a cricket box. These sorts of plants don’t have to be right up on your lawn where the kids are going to kick a soccer ball, but on the perimeter or outside the wall are just perfect for inhospitable foliage. Having too much intentional foliage and bush is probably just as bad as having too much wild bush. This simply tells a prospective intruder that you do
not care about your environment and your home security is probably just as slack. Take the two photos above. Be honest, which house would be the one easier to hide in on approach, penetrate unobserved and get out again still well hidden? The house with the car in the driveway might seem the more affluent and might have nicer things to steal, but criminals also work on a risk / reward ratio. Getting into that yard, to the front door and out all unseen will be near impossible. This property is much better than the other. (Both houses are in Westville, by the way.) The overgrown verge and shade provided by the trees is an absolute nightmare. I use this photo in the anti hijacking talks I give. Could you really tell me you would feel safe coming home to this at night? Well, the homeowner does! What concerns me and my colleagues is that when we try and give home owners advice, the responses range from, “yes I know, you are so right” then nothing gets done about it, to “Its my yard and I’ll plant whatever I want.” It’s ok but, we are only trying to help you! I will use this analogy often: Preventing crime is like owning a tool box. Each tool you add is one more useful thing to help you do a job effectively. You can have the world’s most expensive toolbox, but if you are missing just the right size spanner at a particular moment, the rest of your pricey stuff is both useless and valueless. When it comes to crime proofing your home, each thing you do is a tool in the box. The lighting, the gates, the Doberman. Those, in this policeman’s opinion, are all well and good. But, if the Doberman is sleeping on the other side of the house and the gate is left open, will the spot lights help you see the thief hiding in your hedge row? You can imagine if a whole road has houses with well kept lawns, clean verges, neatly trimmed bushes, it gives the immediate impression that these people care about their appearance and are proud of where they live. Similarly, they will probably be just as careful with their security. A crook will just look out of place cruising that area and hopefully will move on. -by Const. Stephen Clark
METRO REPORT Be aware of what is happening on your doorstep
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On the Lighter Side... Gorilla with an ingrown toenail ... .....by Const.Stephen Clark
My laptop died. There was no moment of silence, rather a screaming rage that caused the rest of the station to wonder what gorilla with an ingrown toenail had been let loose. I struggled for months trying to revive the thing, but eventually, even some keys stopped working so I bgan typng a bt lik ths. Painful. Being Communications Officer and really needing a computer to work on didn’t help either. Unfortunately the old desktop computer the CPF had donated several years back was in a similar state. The monitor being so fuzzy I got a headache after five minutes work. Enter Roger Day of the Westville Community Policing Forum. Roger is a very quiet guy so was a bit disturbed at my daily ranting and raving about being incapable of doing any level of quality work. He scouted around and got me in touch with a very kind man, Iain Emerson, at Network Configurations in Westville. Without a moment's hesitation, Iain promised to find and sponsor me a laptop and, sure enough, I fetched it this week Monday. I am truly indebted and in sincere thanks to Roger and especially Iain for their kindness and dedication to the SAPS and willingness to help wherever they could. I'm back! No rage, no ingrown toenails and even most of the silver fur has gone. It was a small reminder that there are community members and businesses out there who are ready to embrace the ideals of public support and freely contribute to the efficiency of the Police.
Greycop
COLOURING-IN COMPETITION
WELL DONE TO THE WINNERS OF CRIMEZERO’S COMPETITIONS! From right to left
Pat McCullam of The Toy Shop, Pavilion, and W/O Mthimkhulu of Westville SAPS presenting the prizes of games to James Turner(9) of Highbury and Njabulo Mthembu (9) of Mcopheleli Primary School. Majola(5) of 1/4(inset)Olettha PG AD Abantwana Benkosi PrePrimary School received her prize later.
Congratulations to Linda Mazibuko of Lamontville for winning the fantastic prize of an Anti-Smash & Grab tinted security fitment worth R1450 from Smart Auto Solutions!
About the author... Stephen Clark was born and bred in Durban. He has been policing in the Durban area for the past six years carrying out both Crime Prevention and Reaction duties. He is currently on the Durban South Police team for combat rifle shooting. Stephen has always enjoyed drawing and this hobby dates right back to his early school days where he amused many with his humorous caricatures of teachers. This ability to see the lighter side of life has helped him cope with the many stressful situations he has found himself in particularly as a policeman. This cartoon is one of many that he has had published in a book aptly named “Greycop”.
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WESTMALL OPTOMETRISTS • Medical and pensioner rates • Designer sunglasses and fashionable frames • Low vision aids • Screening for driver’s licence 7 Westville Mall Menston Road Westville 3630
Cathy Strachan tel: 031 267 0088 fax: 031 267 0099
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A Crime Prevention Initiative supported by the Westville, Pinetown & Hillcrest 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 email: pinetown-saps@saps.org,za
email: westville-saps@saps.org,za
HILLCREST COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE TELEPHONE NUMBERS
www.westbeat.org.za
• 031 765 9134 • 031 765 9116 • 031 765 9103
(Metro Inner West)
CUSTOMER CARE LINE 082 418 1321
email: hillcrest-saps@saps.org,za
SAPS Emergency Number 10111, SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111, Stop Women Abuse Hotline 0800 150 150, SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) 031 303 2202 / 031 202 2241, Open Door Crisis Centre 031 709 6688 / 031 709 2679, Careline Rehabilitation Centre 031 765 1587. Website for SA Police Service : www.saps.gov.za
© RJP ADV. 4840
Childline 0800 05 55 55, SAPS National Firearms Call Centre 012 353 6111, SA Fraud Prevention Service 0860 10 1248,