Rivoningo | October 2010 by Brett Rothmann

RIVONINGO SOUTH AFRICAN SAFETY AND SECURITY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2010

Caring for Our

Communities SAPS Mounted Unit - No horsing around Working together to fight crime Reservists serve and protect

October-November 2010

ontents C

To Read

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Letter from the Minister of Police

saps Moments

No Horsing Around

Working Together to Fight Crime

Police Reservists Serve and Protect

Everyone is Welcome

Say No to Drugs

To Read

Liquor Can Shatter Lives

Our Cup Runneth Over

Calling Mr President

Sporting Champions

High Flying

Living History

SAPS Addresses Public Concerns

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To Welcome

RIVONINGO October-November 2010

PUBLISHER Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu noeleen@africanspiritmedia.co.za Chief OPERATING officer Bernie Hellberg bernie@africanspiritmedia.co.za EDITOR Themba Shabangu editor@africanspiritmedia.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Bronwyn Burns bronwyn@africanspiritmedia.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT Aneska Meintjes PROOFREADING Adele Rothmann PRINTING Business Print Centre, Pretoria EDITORIAL BOARD Project Leader: SAPS Head of Communication and Liaison Services Maj-Gen Joseph Ngobeni, Col Hangwani Mulaudzi, Brig Strini Govender, Capt Denver Hattingh, Lt-Col Ntlaletseng Motaung, Lt-Col Bronwen Jacobs CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE The Ministry of Police, The Secretariat of Police, The South African Police Service, SAPS Language Services, SAPS Corporate Image and Heritage Services, SAPS National Sport and Recreation, Bronwyn Burns, Themba Shabangu, Shona Bagley, Fiona Zerbst, Chris Szabo, Fayruz Hamed, Wilma den Hartigh, Niki Moore, Lt-Col Marie Luyt, Capt Piet Smit, WO Theo Van Wyk. PUBLISHED BY African Spirit Media 343 Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081 Tel: +27 12 425 5800 or 0861 THE MAG (843 624) Fax: +27 88 012 346-2367 mail@africanspiritmedia.co.za

RIVONINGO is published by African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd, on behalf of the Ministry of Police. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd, the Ministry of Police or any of their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Editor. Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcomed, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all material is posted by registered mail or is sent by courier to 343 Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081. Copyright ÂŠ 2008/9. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

Letter from the Minister of Police

Nathi Mthethwa On 5 September this year at the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commemoration Day, we bowed our heads in respect and honour to 110 Police Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. We will never forget their dedication and contribution to protecting and serving their country. These heroes were a part of the SAPS shield of the nation. They protected, served, empowered with excellence, right until their untimely passing. The SAPS and South Africa is blessed to have the kind of police officers we have. The uprooting of crime and criminals in our society, the pushing back of poverty and ignorance, and the building of sustainable communities depends on every member of the SAPS. Fighting crime has been set as a priority over the next five years. As the SAPS crime statistics show, we are actively combating serious and violent crime by being tough on criminals and organised syndicates. Government is working towards a new modernised, efficient and transformed criminal justice system to develop the capacity for fighting and reducing crime. One of our priorities is combating violence and crimes against women and children by increasing the capacity of the criminal justice system to deal with such violence. We see Community Policing Forums (CPFs) as important and necessary instruments to achieve this goal. So we want to encourage every individual to actively participant in local CPFs. We need to move towards a society where the members of the public are active participants in deciding matters of their safety and security. This issue of Rivoningo looks at various aspects of community policing. Take the time to read and learn what you can do to help your country be a safer place for all.

We would love to hear your comments about the magazine, as well as any suggestions you may have for what you would like to see in future editions. Please feel free to email these to editor@africanspiritmedia.co.za or to post a letter to Rivoningo, PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028.

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To Enjoy

Going Beyond for Our Fallen Heroes The South African Police Service (SAPS) has established an Education Trust Fund, which is aimed at supporting the children of members who died in the line of duty. This announcement was made by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, during the 2010 SAPS National Commemoration. Minister Mthethwa said most SAPS members die while they are still fairly young. When the SAPS pays out their pensions and policies, it is impossible that such payments will sustain the well-being of their children. “While we could never bring them back to life, we remain convinced that the best form of legacy we can implant is by investing in their children’s education. In their memory, we must serve our society with dedication, humility and care,” says the Minister. It is envisaged that the trust fund will be fully operational on January 2011.

Must Read

If you have ever wondered what it must be like to be a police officer in a country plagued with crime and corruption, Andrew Faull’s Behind the Badge is a must read. This book is composed of excerpts from interviews with current and former members of the SAPS who, for the first time, share their stories to reveal the hidden life of the police. The book covers a wide range of themes including policing under apartheid, transformation after 1994, solving cases, using lethal force, issues of corruption and power, ethics, and the psychological effects of police work. A broad insight is given by the interviewees who represent a cross-section of race, rank and location. Faull, who is a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies and a reservist in the SAPS, gives members of the SAPS a voice, and provides the public with a candid insight into the experiences of our men and women in blue.

*Behind the Badge: the untold stories of South Africa’s Police Service members is published by Zebra Press and is available online and in bookstores across South Africa.

If you have ever wondered what it must be like to be a police officer in a country plagued with crime and corruption, Andrew Faull’s Behind the Badge is a must read.

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To Enjoy

Welcome to the family

In September 2010, more than 200 SAPS trainees graduated at a passing-out parade held at the Mthatha Police Academy. The students completed a six-month course on basic policing training. Lt-Gen Mashigo, the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, urged the graduates to stay away from corruption and be on the lookout for criminals who want to corrupt them by offering them bribes. This was the academy’s ninth passing-out parade and all the trainees were recruited in KwaZulu-Natal. Congratulations!

Community Care in Hammanskraal To assist disadvantaged pupils in the community of Hammanskraal, the SAPS Women’s Network has adopted Ramatla Primary School. Deputy National Commissioner, Magda Stander says, “The SAPS Women’s Network intends to establish a long term relationship with the school to deal with their physical needs, as well as the safety of all the children and personnel.” The SAPS Women’s Network set about their work by handing out school uniforms and stationery, as well as signing a pledge of commitment to the children of Ramatla Primary School.

Salute the SAPS The SAPS crime statistics for the 2009/2010 fiscal year show that effective policing is on the increase and many forms of crime have decreased. The figures show the third largest decrease in the murder rate since 1995. For the first time in the history of the SAPS, the number of murders fell below 17 000. Compared to 26 877 in 1995/1996, this shows that the SAPS is making great strides to ensure criminals stay off the streets and behind bars. Equally, sexual offences have decreased as a result of specialised units, such as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, and educating families and communities to break the silence against those who harm women and children. While there has been a remarkable decrease in robbery and house-breaking, stock theft in rural areas has unfortunately increased. The SAPS has responded with a number of initiatives, including engaging with some of the worst affected communities, reviewing the operation of our stock-theft units, and looking at how the Government and our legal system can help protect rural communities. In areas where there have been increases in crime, the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, assures the country that the SAPS is committed to finding achievable solutions. Perhaps the most promising statistic of all involves The Hawks, or Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, who succeeded in arresting 46 of the country’s top 50 criminal suspects. The SAPS has raised the bar against crime after the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, and the honourable members of the SAPS and Community Police Forums deserve respect and admiration for their contribution to a safer South Africa.

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To Protect

No Horsing

Around

It is estimated that one police officer on horseback is equal to at least ten on foot, which makes mounted units a highly effective form of policing in our communities. Bronwyn Burns chats to Capt Rian Opthof, Provincial Coordinator of Mounted Services, to find out what policing on horseback is all about. Text: Bronwyn Burns Images © Piet Smit & SAPS Mounted Unit

ven in our hi-tech society, horses play a big role in the South African Police Service (SAPS), not only in crime prevention but also in creating positive interaction between law enforcement officers and members of the public. The horses help break down the barriers between the police and the public, and by nature, police officers on horseback easily win the hearts of the public. “We create a sense of security wherever we go. We are approachable and friendly. Many people like horses and they come to us to see the horses,” says Provisional Coordinator of Mounted Services, Capt Rian Opthof. The SAPS officially introduced the Mounted Unit in 1990, and today there are 18 units across the country, with another two currently being established in Durban and Hazyview. The SAPS is making an effort to get more police officers out of patrol vehicles and into communities on horseback. “Crime definitely goes down when we put a SAPS Mounted Unit in an area,” says Capt Opthof. “Mounted police officers have a better visual range and can see better because they are positioned higher than a patrol car. The horses cover about six kilometres an hour at walking pace, which means they can also saturate the area under their patrol.” The high profile of an officer on horseback is ideal for seeing and being seen amid crowds and on the streets in the quest against crime.

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The nature of their work means that police horses must be able to work in a busy, noisy urban environment without difficulty. The horses need to be brave and obedient, and able to cope with confrontational situations without becoming agitated or upset. Police horses perform a unique role and are selected for their temperament and physical qualities. Of course, the horse must be in excellent physical condition, but the most important trait of a police horse is a good temperament. In the early days of the Mounted Unit, the SAPS mainly worked with racehorses, which were easy to obtain once their racing days had come to an end. Unfortunately, these highly active animals did not cope well with the change in environment and slower pace of business. They quickly became bored and developed stable vices, such as wind sucking that would cause their stomachs to fill with air and prevent them from eating normally. “Now we mainly use Boerperd and Friesian breeds instead, because they are hardy and have more stamina,” says Capt Opthof. There are a variety of Boerperd breeds and in general, they are comfortable to ride, with enough speed at various gaits and enough style and action to compete favourably in the show ring or present gracefully in a parade. These horses are well known for their good temperament and so are very suitable for

To Protect

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To Protect

SAPS mounted unit at the 2010 children’s day

Capt Opthof riding De La Rey at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™

the work they do with the SAPS. Friesians are usually gentle and submissive with an elegant presence. They are known for being active and energetic. They have compact muscular bodies with strong hind legs and a high arching neck. The relationship between the horse and its rider is vital to carrying out duties effectively, especially when situations become dangerous or in crowds that become disruptive. Each horse is paired with only one rider, so that they can build a partnership of trust and understanding. If the rider becomes fearful or uncertain, the horse loses confidence and instinctively resists the confrontation or tries to bolt, which means that police officers need to be self-assured and in control at all times. Capt Opthof says he shares a special bond with his Boerperd, named De La Rey, which he has been riding since his previous racehorse, Jaja, retired three years ago. It is also clear that Capt Opthof is truly passionate about his work: his office at the Parktown SAPS in Johannesburg is filled with framed photographs of De La Rey on the beat or participating in endurance competitions, and certificates of his equestrian qualifications hang on the walls. SAPS members who want to join the Mounted Unit have to undergo a nine-week specialised training course and must have a love for animals. “We also have a Horse Gentler Course to teach members how to communicate with their horse and to understand how the horse thinks. This is also when riders and

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horses are paired,” Capt Opthof explains. The police horses receive schooling at the SAPS Mounted School in Pretoria unlike any other equestrian training. Aside from dressage (obedience) and endurance training, the horses are taught to remain calm and focused in the face of a crowd, and to be comfortable with civilians approaching them. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the horses were given special training to desensitise them to flags and vuvuzelas. They learn to work together in specific formations that the SAPS use in crowd management and crime prevention – the V-shaped wedge formation is used to spilt unruly crowds or separate rival groups during conflict at taxi ranks, the pushback formation supports SAPS members on foot when they intercept large crowds, and the encirclement formation prevents suspects from escaping arrest. These structured control measures are effective because horses are herd animals by nature. “Horses don’t like working alone. They prefer being in groups and we choose the most confident horses to lead the formations so that the rest are willing to follow,” says Capt Opthof. When duty calls, procedure is a little more complicated than ordinary vehicle patrols. Enough food and water has to be packed and taken along for “operational feeding”, as Capt Opthof calls it, and the horses need short breaks every two hours. Back at the stables, the horses are groomed daily and have a dedicated veterinary department on call. Their riders are

The SAPS Mounted Unit prac tising an encirclement formation durin g utility training

Rural safety patrol

To Protect

I f the rider becomes fearf u l or u ncertain , the horse loses confidence and instinctively resists the confrontation or tries to bolt, which means that police officers need to be self - ass u red and in control at all times .

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To Protect

SAPS mounted unit in the wedge formation

required to spend time exercising them on the track every day. Police horses are used for visible policing and special operations. The duties of the SAPS Mounted Units are broad and varied – from visible policing in urban crime prevention and detection and investigating crimes like stock theft in rural areas, to crowd management and ensuring safety at events of national or international importance, as well as participating in ceremonial parades, such as at the opening of Parliament, or at school shows to educate youngsters about the SAPS. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is one such event, which saw the Metro Police and the SAPS Mounted Units working together on patrols at the stadiums throughout the five-week period. Some of their previous tasks also included the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and the 2006 World Summit on Progressive Governance in Hammanskraal, which was attended by several heads of state, including thenPresident Thabo Mbeki, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela. “We also use the horses for therapy and confidence building at schools for children with behavioural problems and to enrich the lives of disabled children,” adds Capt Opthof. There is no doubt that the SAPS Mounted Units play a crucial role in society as they work in partnership with both rural and urban communities. As more Mounted Units are established across the country, their unique role will continue to grow and, perhaps in time, a band of mounted police officers on the streets will become more common than the bandits themselves.

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Phumelela and the SAPS Mounted Unit Phumelela, a horse-racing company based in Gauteng, has been a sponsor of the SAPS Mounted Unit for over ten years. Soon after its inception, Phumelela began to seek a way in which it could contribute to social responsibility, and so they began a joint venture with the SAPS to put more mounted police officers on the streets and to make them more effective. The Phumelela sponsorship has enabled the SAPS Mounted Units in Johannesburg and Pretoria to be upgraded and expanded. Three stable yards were constructed as well as much-needed equipment, vehicles and horse boxes were supplied. Contribute to a safer South Africa: If you or your company would like to sponsor the SAPS Mounted Unit in any way, please email Capt Opthof at gpprov.coor.mounted@saps.org.za.

Do you think increasing the visibility of the SAPS in our communities is the answer to crime in South Africa? Send your comments to Col Hangwani Mulaudzi at mulaudzih@saps.org.za

To Protect

T he high profile of an officer on horsebac k is ideal for seeing and being seen amid cro w ds and on the streets in the q uest against crime .

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To Protect

Working

together

to fight crime Sector and community policing plays an important role in assisting the South African Police Service (SAPS) in crime fighting in South African communities, and it seems that the concept is gaining ground. More police stations and ordinary South Africans are working together to combat crime. Text: Wilma den Hartigh Images © Piet Smit

lthough most South Africans accept the principles of community policing, some believe that crime is a problem to be left to the police, and they remain uninvolved. However, things are changing. The SAPS has identified sector policing as a strategic policing priority and as one of the most effective ways to deal with crime in South African communities. Even President Jacob Zuma, in his State of the Nation address, urged all South Africans to do more together to fight crime. He listed active participation in community policing forums as one of the best ways to do this. President Zuma also said that crime reporting, another key aspect of community involvement, is essential to assist the police with information to catch wrongdoers.

What is sector policing?

Lt-Col Hendrik Smit, from the Division: Visible Policing, Component: Crime Prevention, explains that sector policing is also known as “neighbourhood policing” and is seen as a tool for implementing community policing. In terms of this decentralised approach, a police

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station is divided into smaller, more manageable geographical areas known as “sectors”. With 1 118 police stations across the country, the SAPS relies on communities to work alongside the police to prevent crime. This form of crime prevention is gaining wider acceptance as sector policing is a practical form of community policing. It ensures more effective crime prevention, as it puts a spotlight on the causes of crime and the circumstances that allow crime to take place in a specific area. In essence, sector policing is aimed at providing a more effective and person-centred service to the community. Policing resources are utilised far more effectively, visible policing is increased and areas become easier to manage.

Community policing

Community policing is a partnership between the police and the community to solve safety problems. As more people participate, crime control becomes more effective. By reducing fear of crime, and improving quality of life, this kind of policing increases community members’ trust in the police. This is one of the reasons success in this form of policing is perceived to

To Protect

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be slow. Both police members and communities have to build relationships and gain each other’s trust.

Setting up community policing forums

Any police station can establish a Community Policing Forum (CPF). This forum is established in line with section 19 (1) of the SAPS Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995). A CPF usually consists of a group of people from different communities and police representatives in the police station area who meet to discuss safety problems in their communities. A CPF also aims at ensuring police accountability and transparency in the community. Lt-Col Smit adds that every South African has something to contribute as volunteers in the fight against crime. Everyone has unique skills, views and innovative ideas that can make a major difference to how crime prevention is approached in an area. There are opportunities for both active and passive community participation. Some people do their bit by reporting crime, or choose to sign up for bulk text messages and email services that aim to sensitise people to crime issues. People can also keep up to date with crime trends in their areas by reading crime briefs in their local newspapers. More active ways of participating include attending community police sub-forum meetings, becoming community patrollers, volunteering, getting involved in outreach projects or signing up

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Reporting crime Crime reporting is one of the most important ways to help the police. The SAPS has less control over criminal activity in an area if no one reports crime. As a result, sector and community policing efforts cannot be tailor-made to an area’s specific problems. Lt-Col Smit explains that often the extent of crime reporting depends on a community’s trust in the police. However, as more people report crime, the police and community can work together through sector policing to target crime hot spots. Community members can report crime anonymously through the Crime Stop line. This service is available 24 hours a day to any person who wants to report crime and criminal activity, which can assist the police in the prevention or investigation thereof. • Report crime information at 08600 10111. • Dial 10111 for crime emergencies. • A crime stop information mediator will answer the call and record the available information. The caller can either remain anonymous, or receive a secret code number for future reference.

To Protect

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To Protect

Sector policing success story For sector and community policing to be successful, equal commitment is needed from police and community members. In Thabong, near Welkom in the Free State, sector policing is proving to be very successful. This community has realised that crime prevention is not something that the SAPS can achieve on its own. In partnership with their local SAPS station, they are taking more responsibility for their own safety and security. Well done, Thabong! Their actions include:

as reservists. Everyone can join as volunteers and attend community police sub-forum meetings to discuss crime prevention action plans with the relevant sector commander. This helps to deal with the specific crimes in the sector concerned.

Structures for community involvement in policing

Lt-Col Smit explains that communities can get involved in a number of community safety structures: as reservists, in a CPF, community patrol groups, street watches, street committees, neighbourhood watches, or even business watches. Some areas decide to establish organisations, such as tavern patrols, and work in partnership with the police to root out illegal and unlicensed shebeens. Schools in a particular area can join forces and team up with the police to ensure learners’ general safety, as well as carry out operations, such as searches for firearms, liquor and drugs. All these initiatives are positive steps in safeguarding South Africans.

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• Community policing forums have been set up and monthly meetings take place to discuss crime prevention. • Victim support services have been set up at the Thabong SAPS. The Family and Marriage Association of South Africa (FAMSA), a peace committee dealing with conflict management, as well as a rape care and intervention centre, operate to provide support to victims. • About 372 people from the 12 wards have received training to conduct patrols in the areas where they live. • The Sport Against Crime project, funded by Harmony Mines, has established soccer and netball teams in each ward. Players are provided with life skills such as conflict resolution in sessions before and after games. • A Women Empowerment Project identifies vulnerable women through door-to-door visits. These women are provided with food parcels and possible services and information that could be of use to them. • The Know Your Neighbour campaign has painted house numbers in problematic areas where it affected response time. • Cleaning campaigns has cleared out high crime areas in an effort to reduce the opportunity for criminal behaviour. • A Tavern-to-Tavern project visits priority taverns to inform patrons about the impact of liquor abuse on violent crime. Quarterly meetings with tavern owners are also improving communication between owners and the SAPS about liquor-related crimes. • Drama Against Crime is mobilising the community through drama and encouraging positive behaviour through drama demonstrations.

To Protect

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To Commend

Police

Reservists ct serve and prote

Reservists play a vital role in supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS) and protecting their communities. Who are these brave citizens and how do they contribute to a safer South Africa? Text: Themba Shabangu Images © Mike Linnell

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roviding safety and security for the nation is a huge task, and is dependent on human beings, not machines or technologies. Communities increasingly call upon Government to increase the number of police officials. Government has responded by increasing the SAPS from 120 000 members in 1994 to over 190 000 in 2010. There are plans in the pipeline to increase this number to 204 000 by 2012. While the increase in police members goes a long way to protecting the nation, members of the public also have a vital role to play in fighting crime alongside the SAPS. WO Mike Linnell is a physiotherapist by profession and has been a police reservist for 15 years. He points out that South Africa will be a safer country if individual community members volunteer to assist the SAPS. “Making a difference, saving lives or recovering stolen goods are the rewards we get for our work as reservists,” he says. Reservists are volunteers who perform policing duties and assist the SAPS in preventing crime, alerting the SAPS to criminal activities and responding to crime scenes. To take on such a role, they first go through a selection process. Those

To Commend

If yo u are loo king at ma king a difference in So uth Africa , yo u sho uld join the Reservists .

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To Commend

who meet the requirements of the SAPS are then appointed as police reservists. Community members who bravely step up to serve and protect are often motivated by personal reasons. WO Linnell signed up after going on a night patrol with other reservists. “I was motivated by the excitement the job brings, the power that the police have to help those in trouble and so that I can make a difference,” he says. Sgt Shongwe, a teacher by profession, joined the SAPS Reservist Unit in 1999 because incidents involving house robbery were high in his neighbourhood and he wanted to do something about it. He also wanted to learn how he could protect his daughter and family. Whatever moves these brave men to devoting their time and energy to assist the SAPS, salary is definitely not one of the reasons. As volunteers, reservists receive basic call-up allowances but are not paid to do the job. Community members can either participate in Community Policing Forums or become reservists. According to Brig Judy le Roux, reservists are an element of community policing and a way of increasing the establishment of the police force. They make it possible for the SAPS to respond faster to the many policing needs of communities. Reservists help the SAPS achieve their strategic and operational objectives. The tactical plans of the SAPS units and the reservist’s skills determine both their placement and job description in the SAPS Reservist Unit. For example, a teacher can educate communities or learners about crime prevention measures. A qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or a nurse, can assist the SAPS by attending to victims of crime who have been physically hurt. Farm residents who become reservists can assist the SAPS by focusing on the priorities set out in local rural protection plans. Those with driver’s licences can join community patrols, while others are needed to help with the administrative work of

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various police units. While the majority of reservists are placed at police stations, some volunteer their time at specialist units such as the flying squads or mounted units. WO Linnell says that, while there are dangers in being a reservist, it has its rewards. He described his eight years as a reservist stationed at the Johannesburg Flying Squad as “the best years of my life”. He recalls the camaraderie among the members of the squad. “I knew that if I needed back-up to protect victims, two or three others would get to the scene quickly”. It goes to show that the reservists are never alone. “As a reservist, I have the opportunity to save lives,” he adds. In one incident, he responded to a house robbery scene while on duty. The victim was a man in his 50s with multiple shot wounds. “The victim died. He stopped breathing in front of our eyes,” WO Linnell recalls. He promptly performed CPR and kept at it up until paramedics arrived at the scene and resuscitated the victim. After his recovery, the man, together with his family and grandchildren, invited the response team to his house to thank them for saving his life. The strong sense of goodwill among reservists and the SAPS members helps them deal with these kinds of trauma. Members talk openly to each other, they share similar experiences, and are able to advise and counsel each other, particularly during debriefing sessions. “Members of the squad know exactly what you are talking about when you discuss a traumatic experience at a crime scene,” says WO Linnell. Reservists also establish strong friendships and bonds outside the working environment. WO Linnell says his fellow reservists are his best friends and he knows he can rely on them for anything, even to change a punctured tyre. They will assist him irrespective of the time of the day. Sgt Shongwe describes his experience as one that has both good and bad days. He points out that permanent SAPS members regard Reservists with respect. There was a time,

To Commend

though, when they were excluded and simply regarded as volunteers. “These days, the SAPS members need reservists more than anything else,” says Sgt Shongwe. “Reservists are able to perform many of the duties undertaken by full-time police officials.” The experience with the public is also mixed. He points out that when in uniform, members of the public see you as a police official. “Some hate you when they see you in uniform, but love you when they need your help.” Communities should respect and support reservists. Because he is a reservist, Sgt Shongwe has been of valuable assistance to his neighbours. They always seek his advice and report to his house first when there is a problem. Like WO Linnell, Sgt Shongwe has saved a person’s life. He recalls a day when he was walking back to his house and came across a community member who had been stabbed. Other members of the community simply looked on. Sgt Shongwe immediately called the police who responded quickly. The victim survived. He later came back and thanked Sgt Shongwe for saving his life. “These moments make you feel it’s worth it,” he says. Any member of a community can help a neighbour in danger or distress. WO Linnell strongly encourages South Africans to join the SAPS Reservists Unit. “If you are looking at making a difference in South Africa, you should join the reservists. Members of the SAPS are always grateful for the support”, he urges. Sgt Shongwe also emphasises that crime affects everyone, and you can help protect your community.

M a k ing a difference , saving lives or recovering stolen goods are the re w ards w e get for o u r wor k as R eservists .

Do you have what it takes to be a reservist? No one knows the area you live in better than you do. Visit your nearest police station and ask to speak to the Reservist Coordinator. Join the Reservists and make a difference in your area to combat crime.

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To Explore

Everyone Is

welcome The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded promptly and effectively to recent outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals. Fayruz Hamed looks at how prompt action and a message of tolerance have combined to reinforce peace and a welcoming attitude toward foreigners. Text: Fayruz Hamed Images © Piet Smit

ears of post-World Cup attacks on foreigners were uppermost in the minds of South Africans and nonnationals as visitors packed up and left our shores. After the great success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, such attacks seemed unthinkable – had we not proved we were able to appreciate diversity during our month-long football festival with the international community? Yet attacks on foreigners are not new to our nation. The worst cases were reported in May 2008 when, in under a month, 62 people were killed by mobs in about 135 locations. More than 100 000 people were displaced by the violence. Also, 342 shops were looted and 213 were burnt down, striking at the heart of the livelihoods of foreigners.

There is hope

It is not all doom and gloom, however, as South Africa is a country built on migration. Although some communities think of foreigners as a threat in stealing their jobs, this is far from the truth. In fact, foreigners create jobs and bring much-needed skills to the nation. In Gauteng, twice as many foreigners as South Africans create employment in the informal sector, according to Tara Poltzer of the Forced Migration Studies Programme. Gareth Newham, Programme Head: Crime and Justice Programme at the Institute of Security Studies, says there is no evidence to suggest that foreigners are responsible for increases in crime; in fact, he says that most do not commit crime at all. Government, the SAPS and civil society organisations are challenging these perceptions in a bid to make us a more tolerant nation. And the message seems to be getting through.

The challenge for Government All images for this article are of the AntiXenophobic Summit held at the Khayelitsha Community Centre

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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) identified attacks on foreigners as a threat to human rights and democracy in South Africa as early as 1997. Government’s response has varied, from outright condemnation of any attacks on foreigners to blaming criminals or an unspecified ‘third force’ for the violence. Government is currently working on a coherent policy with regard

To Explore National Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa welcomed a stance taken against attacks on foreingers by the Khayelitsha community.

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to migration, looking to find new ways to manage the refugees, asylum seekers, temporary migrants, undocumented migrants and immigrants that live among us. The Immigration Act of 2002 is restrictive, which makes it difficult for foreigners to enter the country legally and remain here on a temporary basis. In fact, there are only one-and-a-half million immigrants (legal and illegal) in South Africa, which is only three percent of the population. Of these, all but 300 000 are economic migrants who have come to South Africa to work, whether they have left their countries voluntarily or not. There are currently about 250 000 asylum seekers and 50 000 bona fide refugees in the country. Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenge is to let this message permeate local government, community leaders, municipalities, community policing forums and ward councillors, so that political solutions may be found at local level. Foreigners must be drawn into debates, too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if they remain apart, refuse to speak a South African language, or make little effort to integrate, the situation is further complicated. Inclusive forums should be formed to make assimilation easier. It is heartening that the Department of Social Development has begun to address social cohesion when it comes to integrated development planning in communities.

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T he I mmigration A ct of 2 0 0 2 is restrictive , which ma k es it diffic u lt for foreigners to enter the co u ntr y legally and remain here on a temporary basis .

To Explore

The SAPS’s response

The SAPS has stepped up community patrols and have been maintaining a visible presence in affected areas, which have gone a long way toward containing the violence and preventing it from spreading further. “Initial reports suggest police responded quickly and well to outbreaks of violence,” says Duncan Breen, Advocacy Officer for the Consortium of Refugees and Migrants in South Africa. In so doing, the SAPS has made it clear that criminals will be brought to book. Breen suggested that this time around “a greater preparedness from Government” has made a real difference. Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa, who chairs the InterMinisterial Committee (IMC) looking into attacks on foreigners, declared that Government “will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society… and is closely monitoring these xenophobic threats.” Maj-Gen Chipu, National Coordinator of incidents dealing with attacks on foreigners, says the SAPS is monitoring crimes against foreign nationals very carefully. “We have a desk monitoring this now and we have focused on external deployment,” he says. “There are coordinators in each province, working with community policing forums, and we are also mobilising communities against these attacks on foreign nationals.” Maj-Gen Chipu says the SAPS is also working with the United Nations Commission for Refugees, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to tackle the matter. Police intelligence has been investigating allegations and has been able to put an early-warning system in place to thwart crime. And the SAPS has urged individuals and organisations to report any incidents immediately.”

The SAPS’s achievements

• A proactive response has ensured minimal violence. The increased police presence in hot-spots will act as a deterrent – it certainly seems to have worked in the short term.

• The SAPS has spread the message that attacks on foreigners are unacceptable, and is fostering a message of tolerance for foreigners. • Local awareness campaigns that have seen SAPS members going from door to door have largely been extremely successful. Musina police spokesperson Sydney Ringane says that members of the Musina Social Crime Prevention Unit have been visiting communities to spread a message of peace. “We visit locals and foreigners at their homes and businesses, ask their views about attacks on foreigners, and use that information to assess if there is any danger or threat,” he says. • After the latest outbreak of violence, arrests were made and cases were tried in court, showing that the SAPS’s attitude of ‘zero tolerance’ prevails. It would appear that, despite some outbreaks of violence, the worst fears have not been realised and that South Africa has managed to hold on to some of the World Cup pride and gees. With Government, the SAPS and citizens working in tandem to maintain a culture of tolerance, diversity and friendliness to all, perhaps we will be able to prevent these kinds of attacks once and for all.

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REALITY

Deal with

Say No to Drugs

The more you know about how drugs work and the effect they can have on your body and mind, the more you will be able to protect yourself and your children against them. The South African Police Service (SAPS) implements programmes to educate and promote awareness in our communities about the dangers of drug abuse. Text: Niki Moore Images ÂŠ Theo Van Wyk & iStockphoto.com

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rug abuse is a serious problem in many communities across South Africa, and we all need to be more aware of the signs, symptoms and effects of drug abuse. Yet by the time an offender needs treatment or is arrested, the damage has already been done. In addition, drug addicts are getting younger – more than a quarter of drug offenders arrested last year were juveniles, which is an increase of eight percent from the previous year. “Police work starts with detection,” says SAPS spokesman, Col Vishnu Naidoo. “Our first job is to intercept the drugs before they hit the streets.” “Tackling the end-user takes a different approach, as this is more of a social problem. Drug use is a criminal offence, but we tend to treat drug addicts as victims rather than offenders, and they are referred to NICRO. Police become involved as enforcers when the addict turns to crime in order to sustain his or her drug habit.” NICRO, or The National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders, is a national crime prevention non-profit organisation, which aims to have offenders serve their sentences outside of prison, so giving them the chance to change their lives. Available information about drug abuse paints a sobering picture. After alcohol, marijuana and Mandrax are the most commonly used drugs in South Africa. Children as young as nine years old are known to smoke marijuana and glue sniffing is a problem in children who may be as young as seven years. Many of these children admit they start using drugs because they see their parents doing so, or because they believe that taking drugs is merely harmless fun. “What children don’t know – and this is very, very important – is how addictive drugs can be,” continues Col Naidoo. “They think they can just try something once. We tell them that the first time will never be the last time.” Studies on the health and social consequences of drug abuse in the USA show that substance abusers are significantly more likely to drop out of school. This is part of a greater problem of dysfunctional families: children use drugs to escape from personal or social problems. “Drug abuse has a ripple effect,” says Col Naidoo. “It affects families, communities, and the wider society – especially if the addict turns to crime. We have found that a very effective way of reaching communities is through religious organisations. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have their own programmes, and we engage closely with these organisations. We have representatives that serve on NGO committees to offer support.” Drug prevention falls under the Social Crime Prevention programme at the SAPS, which is headed by Maj-Gen Susan Pienaar. The unit offers intervention when necessary. Members of this programme also give talks at schools to educate children about the dangers of drugs.

Tips for parents

to prevent drug abuse in children • Make time to listen to your child’s problems and work through them with him/her. • Give clear “no-use” messages about drugs and alcohol. • Help your child to deal with peer pressure. • Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. • Monitor your child’s whereabouts. • Supervise your teen’s activities, and set an example in the healthy use of leisure time. • Maintain an open and honest dialogue with your child. • Emphasise LOVE and CONCERN for your child. Prevention is better than cure, and the younger the children are educated the better. The SAPS has introduced a Safe Schools Programme, in conjunction with school management bodies, which include programmes such as Adopt-a-Cop and Captain Crime Stop. Although these initiatives are aimed at making schools safer in general, they also include drugawareness programmes. The Western Cape Alcohol and Drug Abuse Forum’s Education and Prevention Working Group has done a survey of anti-drug programmes in schools, and it came up with some thought-provoking conclusions. Generic prevention programmes do not always work. Programmes need to be adapted for gender, social groups, demographic groups and age groups. Shock tactics, such as advertisements or videos that show people dying after drug use, are not effective and are generally scorned by young people. Drug prevention programmes alone are not as effective as those accompanied by life skills programmes, which educate young people about choices and opportunities. The best deterrent is a change in attitude in a whole group. Sport, hobbies, social opportunities, or anything that makes a youngster feel useful has a major impact on their attitude towards drugs. Col Naidoo agrees that attitude is important: “Kids start with little things like cigarettes and alcohol, and this can lead to experimentation with drugs. We have to be sensitive to the people we are talking to. We refer to them as victims and not offenders. The best way to rehabilitate drug users is through peer interaction. So we use ex-drug addicts to talk to kids and we have found this to be extremely effective in preventing youngsters from experimenting with drugs.” If you need help or if you know of someone who does, you can phone the SANCA 24-Hour Helpline on 082 264 7000.

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Liquor

can shatter lives There is nothing more relaxing than a glass of wine with dinner, or a few drinks with friends after work. Who can watch a sports match without a beer in hand, or enjoy a braai with friends without a glass or two of amber refreshment? That is the good side of alcohol: the spirit of companionship or recreation or relaxation. But one drink too many, and alcohol becomes South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest social problem. Text: Niki Moore Images ÂŠ iStockphoto.com

n South Africa, more than 30% of general hospital admissions are linked to alcohol abuse. Almost 50% of trauma patients admitted to hospitals are found to be intoxicated (under the influence of alcohol). Even more shocking is that 80% of assault victims are either intoxicated, or are the victims of an intoxicated assailant. The statistics continue: more than 50% of non-natural deaths are linked to high concentrations of alcohol in the blood, 50% of drowning victims are drunk, and 70% of domestic violence cases are alcohol related. South Africa has the highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the world, in which babies are born with severe side effects of alcohol abuse. The Medical Research Council has found that businesses suffer from alcohol-related absenteeism, poor productivity, high job turnover, interpersonal conflict, job-related injuries and deaths, and damage to property. Alcohol brings in tax revenue of R4,2 billion per year, but the effects of alcohol abuse cost the state in excess of R9 billion. Alcohol is therefore a double-edged sword: it would be impossible

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to ban it (as prohibition in the USA has shown), but when it is abused it becomes an extraordinarily destructive force. “Alcohol abuse is a social issue, and it cannot be separated from social conditions,” says South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesman, Col Vishnu Naidoo. “Kids see their parents drink, they see drinking on films and television, and they want to try it out for themselves. And that is how the cycle starts.” Alcohol abuse is a difficult crime to manage. Drunken driving is a straightforward offence and is prosecuted as such, but committing a crime while drunk is not considered a more severe crime than committing a crime when sober. The problem with alcohol abuse, though, is that drunken people lose restraint and might commit a crime that they would never commit when sober. “The legislation regarding alcohol abuse is fair and adequate,” continues Col Naidoo, “but alcohol abuse is a social problem, not really a criminal problem. If we find someone with drugs, we can arrest them immediately, but if we find someone with alcohol, there is no crime. Public drunkenness is not a crime, it is an act of misconduct, and we can hold someone for a maximum of four hours. But where alcohol is a huge problem, is that many crimes are committed because people are drunk.” “The most common crimes associated with alcohol abuse are drinking and driving, domestic violence, and sexually related offences,” confirms Col Naidoo. According to the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offender (NICRO), just under half of all male prisoners had consumed alcohol or drugs at the time of committing their most recent crime. Dealing with a drunken suspect is a highly dangerous procedure, as the intoxicated person will be aggressive and will think that they can do anything. “We have a procedure in place for dealing with intoxicated suspects,” says Col Naidoo. “The SAPS member must assess the situation and call for back-up. An intoxicated suspect is highly unstable, and there have been many cases where police personnel have been assaulted by drunken suspects.” The SAPS conducts regular outreach programmes in schools and churches to warn young people about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and have dedicated Social Crime Investigators at each police station and cluster. Undercover operations are used to catch illegal alcohol dealers and distributors. However, the law in this respect needs to be made harsher, as most sentences amount to little more than a slap on the wrist. Social Crime Investigators welcome any approach from civil society, whether it is in order to report illegal liquor outlets and the selling of alcohol to minors, or to conduct educational programmes in the community. There are very few cases where intoxication will be a used

S ocial C rime I nvestigators welcome an y approach from civil societ y, w hether it is in order to report illegal liq u or o u tlets and the selling of alcohol to minors , or to conduct ed u cational programmes in the comm u nit y. to excuse sentencing a criminal – and in many cases (especially vehicle accidents), intoxication is an aggravating factor. Drunkenness cannot be used as a justification for committing a crime. South Africa has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in the world, with the North West Province leading the stats. And our society, with its emphasis on quick-fix solutions, is producing addicts faster than at any other time in history. Unfortunately, while society and the media glorify drinking, and the countless social problems in South Africa continue to produce dysfunctional families and communities, the abuse of alcohol will continue. And it is our police force that has to shoulder the responsibility of dealing with the fall-out of this social crime. Sources: Medical Research Council, Science in Africa Science Journal, NICRO, SAPS Crime Information and Analysis Centre; National Injury Surveillance System; Frontline Churches.

Have you ever wondered if you have a drinking problem? Contact the Alcoholics Anonymous helpline on 0861 435722 to learn more about the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse or to seek help in overcoming an addiction.

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Runnet Our Cup

Runneth Over The South African Police Service (SAPS) played a pivotal role in the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Now that the tournament is over, what legacy has it left for the men and women in blue? Text: Shona Bagley Images © Piet Smit

outh Africa hosted a very successful 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the excitement was clear throughout the tournament. From cosmopolitan cities to remote rural villages, the flags were flying and the fans were cheering. The success of the soccer fest was largely due to the major role that the SAPS played. Preparing for the event was a major logistical exercise for the police, involving intensive pre-planning. Shortly before the opening kick-off, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa made it clear just how intensive the preparations were. “We have dedicated more than 40 000 police officers to secure the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The majority of the police deployed for the tournament are trained officers with experience in major events. Host cities have been divided into

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th Over sections, with police teams patrolling each section focusing on accommodation, stadiums, fan parks, restaurants and tourist venues,” he said. Minister Mthethwa made it clear that the National Joint Operational Centres at both national and provincial levels had been operational from 26 May 2010. Route security, especially from airports and other ports of entry into the cities, and the team bases, was given high priority. There were dedicated police stations, crime investigation teams and special courts within close proximity to each stadium that operated on a 24hour basis. A foreign language interpreting service was also run from the 10111 Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. The exhaustive preparation high-level safety and security paid off, with effective visible policing in and around the stadiums countrywide and a substantial decrease in crime overall. Best of all, though, is that the positive benefits did not end with the tournament – there will be a lasting legacy for the SAPS. One person who sincerely believes this is Maj-Gen Nonkululeko Mbatha, Head of Communications in the Office of the National Commissioner. She served as Communications Officer in the 2010 World Cup™ Committee. The committee was chaired by Gen Bheki Cele and focused on logistics and the proper planning for the tournament. The message was, “We are ready to deliver a safe and successful World Cup.” And deliver they did. “We exceeded expectations,” says Maj-Gen Mbatha. “Morale was high and the SAPS members have been commended. Public opinion is that the SAPS conducted themselves well during the World Cup. It is not a matter of the police blowing their own trumpets – everybody said ‘well done’. Everybody can be proud of the men and women in blue.” In an address to the National Press Club, Gen Cele said, “World Cup security and normal policing are equally important hence none was compromised; instead our men and women in blue went beyond the call of duty to serve and protect fellow South Africans and our visitors – truly they are Good Ambassadors.” And post-World Cup? Maj-Gen Mbatha says that they intend to maintain the same kind of policing. “Not on the same scale, but focusing on issues of visibility, which proved to be the most effective way of policing. We aim at a similar set-up to what was achieved at the World Cup. But there needs to be proper costing. The President has said the police need to continue with policing as they did during the World Cup and that budgets would be looked at in this regard. We are looking at managing a costing operational plan.”

The exhaustive preparation highlevel safety and security paid off, with effective visible policing in and around the stadiums countrywide.

“Post-World Cup plans are to be announced by the Minister,” she says. “Human Resources is crucial – personnel need to be taken care of. We are looking at a programme dedicated to members’ morale.” Mr Zweli Mnisi, spokesperson for the Minister of Police, says that, prior to the commencement of the World Cup, there were many skeptics regarding policing and safety and security around the event. He believes the SAPS proved the skeptics wrong. In addition, he believes that it has not ended there. “There is a legacy arising from the World Cup. The interaction with international police personnel will immensely benefit our police going forward.” Over 200 foreign police officials from 28 countries were deployed at the International Police Cooperation Centre (IPCC) based in Pretoria. Mr Mnisi continues, “We raised the bar and we can only go higher. It was a victory, not only for the police but also for the country and its citizens. It emphasised that the police alone cannot fight crime – communities assist in routing the scourge that is crime.” Mr Mnisi also talks about the Good Ambassadors programme that was initiated in the SAPS before the World Cup. Employees were encouraged to go beyond the call of duty and be good hosts, ensuring the success of the event. “The SAPS members embraced the programme wholeheartedly,” he says. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ was a success not just for South Africa but for Africa too. “It was Africa’s World Cup and our African counterparts played a pivotal role. We are going to continue these relationships after the World Cup. Crime, after all, is a global concern,” adds Mr Mnisi. The last word goes to Minister Mthethwa, who says the World Cup should leave a lasting security legacy for South Africa to ensure that visitors return to the country long after the tournament has come and gone. What do you think the SAPS should prioritise for 2011? Send your suggestions to Col Hangwani Mulaudzi at mulaudzih@saps.org.za

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To Act

Calling Mr President

The Presidential Hotline was launched last year, allowing members of the public to lodge enquiries or complaints or to address a compliment or concern directly to the President’s Office. It is a commendable initiative, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is an integral part of it. Text: Shona Bagley Images © iStockphoto.com

n September last year, President Jacob Zuma launched an initiative that was lauded by opposition politicians, the media and the public. Called the Presidential Hotline, it is a dedicated phone number that enables citizens to address their concerns, queries and suggestions to the President’s Office. The Presidency said in a statement: “The toll-free hotline 17737 - will be manned by 43 liaison staff in the Presidency. They will have the responsibility of following up the public enquiries and complaints lodged, and ensuring that all are attended to efficiently. The provinces are expected to establish similar services, and to create forums that include liaison officers for each municipality so that the service is taken to local government level, including rural municipalities and districts.” The aim of the hotline is to encourage an all-round improvement in caring for our communities and liaison with the public. It also encourages a culture of putting the people first in all government departments as well as municipalities. This in turn will develop an interactive, accessible and responsive Government. President Zuma is living up to his commitment to be a “people’s President” and, by instituting the hotline, seeks closer contact with the public. “I want to be the listening leader,” says the President. The hotline hasn’t stopped ringing since its inception – inundated with people phoning in about service delivery, housing, infrastructure, and providing tip-offs to authorities about fraudulent or criminal activities. That is where the SAPS comes in. The Presidency has established Public Liaison Office (PLO) structures in all national departments and provinces to support the hotline programme.

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PLOs are points of contact in addressing matters relating to their province, departments and municipalities. They are tasked with facilitating the quick resolution of queries raised by the public. The SAPS has a PLO structure and the supervisor is Lt-Col Ntlaletseng Motaung. Lt-Col Motaung, who works in the Communication and Liaison Services at the SAPS Head Office in Pretoria, explains: “A complaint is logged with the Presidential Hotline, such as an anonymous tip-off that police are taking bribes, for example. It is passed down to the SAPS Public Liaison Officers involved with the Presidential Hotline, like myself, and we follow up on the matter.” The complaint is typed up and sent to the relevant provincial office. Even though the tip-off is anonymous, the issue is still looked into. She notes, however, that sometimes a tip-off directed to the hotline can be a hoax, and cautions the public to use it responsibly so that it can be effective. There are definitely positive results. “I can go into the Presidential Hotline system, track the progress and report back. People really appreciate the follow-through, especially if cases are resolved. We ensure that we are in constant communication with complainants until things are resolved.” Lt-Col Motaung explains that numerous issues are dealt with by the SAPS PLO staff. “We’ve had cases where, for example, a murder suspect had not been arrested. We re-opened the case and contacted the complainant. Or there could be a complaint about service delivery, or that the police are not communicating about cases. These are all followed up on.” She cautions, however, that members of the public should not automatically go directly to the Presidential Hotline with their issues. “Rather try to resolve matters at your local police station,” she says. “If you’re not satisfied, ask to see the station commander.”

To Act

Lt-Col Motaung, like other PLOs, was chosen for her caring qualities. “I am a people’s person. One has to have the ability to provide empathy and sympathy. You become a counsellor, particularly in cases such as child custody.” She received training on how to be an effective Presidential Hotline PLO, and she believes that the procedures put into place are helping to “improve service delivery within the SAPS itself. Internal corrective measures are taken if police officers are in the wrong. But it’s not just negatives we deal with – the process improves teamwork and interrelations within the SAPS.” She reports that they have had a 52% success rate in resolving cases. “We are moving into the positive, and I think the Presidential Hotline has a lot to do with that.” Her optimism is echoed by the Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa. In an address given the day after the launch of the hotline, he said: “Yesterday, the Presidential Hotline became operational and we are informed that it received around 7 261 calls in its first three hours.” He added, “This is indicative to us as Government that we cannot falter nor slow down in our service delivery mandate. This mandate includes the protection of our citizens against criminal elements. As a Department, we will need to complement the President’s Hotline vision by setting up systems which will deal with any complaints or calls relating to police non-compliance, and ensure that these are speedily and effectively addressed.” It is clear that Government is determined to stand firm in their commitment to securing a better life for all and the Presidential Hotline is another powerful link in the fight against crime. Remember, compliments on good service delivery will be gratefully received as well.

Fast Facts • The toll-free public liaison contact details for the Presidential Hotline are: • Telephone: 17737 • Fax: 086 681 0987 • Email: president@po.gov.za • The Presidential Hotline should be used when all your attempts to get assistance from governmental departments, municipalities or state agencies have failed. • It is not only a complaints line. You can call to share your views, commend public services, or provide solutions to the challenges in your community.

The Hotline hasn’t stopped ringing since its inception – inundated with people phoning in about service delivery, housing, infrastructure, and providing tip-offs to authorities about fraudulent or criminal activities. RIVONINGO

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To Commend

Sporting

Champions

The South African Police Service (SAPS) does not have a shortage of formidable women involved in sport. In this issue, we honour women who are excelling in their respective sport. These women share their stories and what it is about their sport that keeps them motivated. Whether they are competing in a game, or working tirelessly behind the scenes, they are doing the SAPS proud. Commending womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements and participation in sport is a priority at the SAPS. It is also encouraging to see more women take part in traditionally maleonly sports, such as soccer, and relatively unknown sports, such as pistol shooting, volleyball and tug of war. Government has called for greater transformation in sport in South Africa. In response to this call, Gen Bheki Cele recently launched the SAPS National Fitness Project, tasking every member to keep fit and be more productive. It seems that women in the SAPS are more than willing to take on the challenge. Text: Wilma den Hartigh Images ÂŠ Theo Van Wyk

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Sgt Nomawethu Zweni

To Commend

Name:

Sgt Nomawethu Zweni, Fingerprint Unit, Jeffreys Bay

Sport: Achievements:

Tug of war Winning a gold medal at the International Championships in 2009.

Tug of war is fairly unrecognised as a sport and few people may know that it is highly competitive. When Sgt Nomawethu Zweni initially became involved in tug of war at the SAPS, she also knew very little about it. “I thought to myself: how difficult can it be? All you have to do is pull a rope. But I was mistaken, as it requires a lot of skill and a high level of fitness,” Sgt Zweni says. Once she understood the game, she was hooked. At present, she is also the only black woman in the Eastern Province tug of war team. One of her goals is to increase awareness of the sport and to encourage more women to participate. Much uncertainty about the origins of the game still exists. It is believed that it was once a royal sport played in ancient Egypt and China. Legend has it that the sun and moon played tug of war over light and darkness. Today, tug of war is played

in almost every country in the world. “It is essentially a test of strength,” she explains. Although a game is short, it is a good workout. “It feels like you have played the equivalent of two rugby matches once you finished,” she laughs. However, she adds that a good measure of mind work is also important to succeed in a game. “I’ve learned that pulling the rope to your side involves more than just physical strength. You should never let go, even when you think you are losing the battle,” she says. To have a competitive edge, a player needs strong hands. “You need a firm grip,” she explains. Gloves aren’t permitted in the game, and one’s hands have to withstand the pressure of pulling the rope. It is important to train daily and she has learned a few tricks, too. Every evening, she crumples a few sheets of newspaper in her hands, simulating the action of squeezing a stress ball. This is a great way to strengthen arm and hand muscles. Sgt Zweni guarantees that anyone who takes up tug of war will thoroughly enjoy themselves. So come on – join a team in your area.

Name: Capt Julie Chetty

Sport: Achievements:

Capt Julie Chetty, Supply Chain Management Unit, Silverton Indoor volleyball Played competitively in indoor, outdoor and beach volleyball.

“Volleyball has always been my first love,” says Capt Julie Chetty. She first stepped onto the volleyball court in primary school, on the first day it was introduced as a sport. Since then, she has played competitively in indoor, outdoor and beach volleyball. This year some injuries and health problems have forced her to take a bit of a backseat from playing. Although she is on the sidelines for now, Capt Chetty is still involved in a managerial role and she serves as secretary of the executive committee for the SAPS volleyball team. “I just love playing the sport but I also thoroughly enjoy encouraging the team, looking after the players and even getting involved in a bit of training,” she says. Capt Chetty has years of experience and can offer unique insights into the game. She says the sport has undergone numerous refinements and there have been some changes to the rules. However, it is important that competitive players in high-level volleyball master the six basic skills: serve, pass, set, attack, block and dig. Volleyball training is physically strenuous, but she points

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out that it requires much less running in comparison with other sports such as squash and basketball. A relaxed and flexible body will give any team the upper hand in a match. She says there is much room to grow participation in female volleyball at the SAPS and the more women that take up the sport, the better. Every second year, the best players are also selected to represent South Africa at the annual World Police and Fire Games. “It is so much fun, a great way to keep fit, and the best thing is that you can represent your province in the sport,” she says. What some may not know about Capt Chetty is that she is also a ballroom dancing enthusiast. She believes that physical activity, whether on the dance floor or behind the volleyball net, is the secret to longevity.

Capt Elsje Swart

Capt Julie Chetty

Name:

Sport: Achievements:

Capt Elsje Swart, Street Survival Trainer at the SAPS Academy, Pretoria Pistol shooting Protea Colours in 2007 (qualified in Egypt at the African Championships). For the past five years, she has achieved Mayleigh Colours. Only the top ten men and women get selected every year.

Unlike many other sports, pistol shooting requires the shooter to remain in the same position for two hours, explains Capt Elsje Swart. This may seem effortless, but it does require tremendous concentration and focus. “You need a bit of talent, but it takes a lot of training to do well in this sport,” Capt Swart says. She points out that pistol shooting is becoming more widely practised by women these days, but participation is still limited. Most women compete at club level, and not nationally. However, many top shooters in the country are female. “Pistol shooting is all about mastering the art of precision,”

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she explains. Sport pistols are used for this purpose. These are specialised firearms that have a different calibre. Shooters always have to use their own pistol, as each one has a special orthopaedic grip. She never thought of herself as being competitive, but she enjoys every minute of this sport. “It is a highly technical sport, but it is also a mind game because you have to block out all sounds and movements,” she explains. The secret to success is working on your technique every day. Significant mental preparation is also needed and this includes relaxation ahead of tournaments.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many coaches in pistol shooting, but more experienced shooters are always keen to share information with young shooters starting out. She says that mentorship on the range is the best form of training. Capt Swart also draws on books written by world champions. “I enjoy reading about how other shooters prepare mentally. This helps me to improve my own technique,” she says. Her wish is for more women to participate in pistol shooting. “It is a great sport to build your self-confidence and help you to be more focused. Best of all, it is exhilarating,” she says.

Name: Maggie Hendricks

Sport: Achievements:

It would be wonderful if even more people could come on board, especially since fitness is a core value in the SAPS

Maggie Hendricks, Senior Administration Clerk, Head Office, Pretoria Soccer Being part of establishing the first women’s soccer team at the SAPS.

Maggie Hendricks’ reputation precedes her. Speak to any of her colleagues, and they will tell you that she is doing a sterling job of her role as the SAPS Soccer Administrator. It is her job to coordinate all aspects of the SAPS soccer activities in all nine provinces. She also sits on the national executive board of soccer. She first got involved in sport at the SAPS when she was volunteering at a police station’s social crime project, which was using sport to help keep children off the street. Her enthusiasm was evident, and soon afterwards, she was appointed Soccer Administrator. Hendricks is quick to point out that although she is a soccer fanatic, she believes it is important not to neglect her daily office duties. “I’m willing to go the extra mile to ensure that all the office work is up to date, but I also enjoy every aspect of my administrative soccer role,” she says. Typing a letter, dealing with sponsors, arranging meetings and games, and liaising with provinces, is all done in a day’s work. She works hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes well on the field. Hendricks grew up in a household of soccer players and it is easy to see why she loves this sport so much. Her father was a soccer player, and he was a professional referee in the late 1970s. “Even my mother played soccer and she is very proud of me,” she says. Soccer is a predominantly male sport, but she thinks that women have an important role to play on and off the field. “Women just have an extra special ability to get things done. We communicate well and we know how to approach problems,” she adds. One of her greatest dreams is to study further in a sports-related field. She encourages more people to get involved in sport in the SAPS. “It would be wonderful if even more people could come on board, especially since fitness is a core value in the SAPS,” says Hendricks.

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To Commend

High Flying Capt Refilwe Ledwaba is known as the country’s first black female helicopter pilot, a motivational speaker for the aviation industry, a role model for young people both inside and outside the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a determined and passionate achiever. How she got there is a remarkable story. Text: Niki Moore Images © Renier Keyter

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hen the people in the township of Lenyenye outside Tzaneen predicted that little Refilwe Ledwaba was going to be a high flyer one day, they did not realise just how literally their predictions would come true. Although she was a star at school, careers for young girls in those days were restricted to teachers or nurses. A young black woman flying aeroplanes or helicopters was simply an impossible dream. Yet three years after matric, in 1998, her ambition was sparked while she was on a Comair flight. “I heard a lady’s voice come over the speaker and introduce herself as the pilot,” says Capt Ledwaba. “I was just like ‘wow!’. It had never occurred to me that a woman could be a pilot.” She applied for a job with the South African Air Force immediately, but hit her first obstacle: she was under the age of 21 and her mother refused to sign the consent forms. The ambitious young woman decided that perhaps flying

To Commend

was not for her, and opted to study medicine instead. She completed the BSc degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as the first step towards a medical degree, but then hit her second hurdle: she did not have enough money to complete her studies and was unable to graduate. This kind of setback is enough make most young people despondent, but Capt Ledwaba is somebody who refuses to accept defeat. “I try to have a positive attitude,” she says. “Yes, I experienced many obstacles, but there is always a way, there is always an alternative. I look at my goal, and I look at the different routes I can take to get there.” Prevented from following a career in medicine, she decided to go back to her first love: flying. But flying lessons were too expensive, so she chose the next best thing. Getting a job as a cabin attendant was not quite the same as being a pilot, but it was one step closer and she was at least working on aeroplanes! “During the technical part of my training, a pilot came to teach us and was surprised by my technical knowledge and asked if I was sure I was training for the right job. I joked that I was actually there to become a pilot,” she said. She used her proximity to the pilots to pester them with questions whenever she could, soaking up information and making sure she was available for any opportunity to fly. Impressed by her enthusiasm, two pilots offered to give her free lessons if she would pay for the rental of the plane and the fuel. For a while she was living her dream and learning to fly, but eventually the costs became too high once again and she faced her third and biggest obstacle. By then she was so close to realising her dream that she could not even consider giving up. “I could only afford to pay for about two sessions per month so it would take me about ten years to get my licence,” she says. “This would take too long and I was getting despondent. So I wrote letters to every company I could think of, I knocked on doors for three years, told people my story and asked for sponsorship.” Eventually, she got a call from an SAPS recruiter: “He said they’d pay for my studies and asked if I would fly helicopters as well. I thought he was joking!” The new recruit grabbed the opportunity with both hands and got her wings in 2006 as a helicopter pilot and a Captain in the SAPS. She was the first black female helicopter pilot in the country. “Within the helicopter industry, flying for the police is seen as the ultimate job – the work is really varied and challenging and I’ve come a long way,” she says. “The looks I still sometimes get from passengers when they see that I’m the pilot are really hilarious though!” It is not only Capt Ledwaba’s gender, but her small size that makes people look twice. “Size is no obstacle,” she says, “because in flying a lot of the controls are hydraulic, like power steering. But part of your course is to learn to land with the hydraulics off, in case of failure. The helicopter becomes extremely heavy, but you develop techniques when you are a small person, you develop the muscles.” Capt Ledwaba has reached her goal and every day she is thankful for what she has achieved: “No matter what my mood is, when I walk into that hangar, I look at the helicopter and I

Capt Refilwe Ledwaba just about to take off

just go ‘wow’. It might sound crazy, but you really bond with your machine, it’s like a horse rider having that relationship with their horse.” However, this is not the end of her dream. She has established a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Women in Aviation in Africa which aims to assist young girls to enter the difficult field of aviation. The programme identifies young girls who are interested in aviation, educates them about career opportunities within the industry, assists with applications, and sources sponsorship for their training. “Many people get scared when they are faced with something they don’t know,” Capt Ledwaba says. “But if someone has already done it, then it is no longer impossible and it gives people hope. My love for flying helped me to reach my goals. I would be glad if others would follow this career because I have shown them that it is possible. A lot of people contact me and they find out I am just a normal person, I am not Einstein. They realise that if I can do it, they can do it.” “I have decided to go back to my studies (an MBA at the UCT Graduate School of Business) so that I can run the NGO properly,” she says. “I want to create an organisation where students can learn about the different careers in aviation – not only flying. I want to create about 20 bursaries for girls to study any aspect of aviation. I give talks about aviation so that I can clear the way for others. When I first started, I had to learn everything for myself. Now I can pass on that knowledge to others and make their way easier.” With such a busy schedule, it is not easy for Capt Ledwaba to visit her home in Lenyenye often. “But I grew up in a small community and when I get there, everyone knows I am home. They are proud of me; they regard me as their daughter. My mother is very proud of me.” It is not only her home folk who are proud of her. The SAPS is also extremely proud of Capt Refilwe Ledwaba. This is the small girl from a small town, who knew that not even the sky was the limit, and it was her determination and refusal to give up, that gave her wings.

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To Explore Scenes from the anti-Afrikaans language resistance campaign in the mid 1970s

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To Explore

You’ll be fascinated and surprised by what you might find in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Museum in Pretoria. Fiona Zerbst and Chris Szabo profile this living archive of police history. Text: Fiona Zerbst and Chris Szabo Images © Theo Van Wyk

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To Explore

f you were looking for a mine of information on genealogy and cultural history, a wealth of archival material, or a source of expert information for filmmakers, you might not think of the SAPS Museum in Pretoria as the place to go. But you’d be wrong. In fact, the SAPS Museum is one of Pretoria’s best-kept secrets, and is well worth a visit. Museum curator Col Mathilda Smal, who has been in her position since November 1992, and has worked at the museum since January 1982, says the museum gets a lot of enquiries from students and academics both local and foreign. “We get research requests from Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and from many American and other universities. People want to do research, particularly on the struggle period, because we have a wealth of dockets, books and photographic material.” She says that film companies also do research for TV shows and films like The Stander Gang (which is about South Africa’s most notorious bank robber, André Stander, who also happened to be the youngest captain in the Johannesburg SAP at the time) and Darrell Roodt’s film, Cry, the Beloved Country. Another well-known story requiring research is that of murderess Daisy de Melker, who poisoned two husbands and her 20-year-old son between 1927 and 1932. The SAPS Museum is situated in the historic Compol and Volkstem Buildings on Pretorius Street. Both buildings date back to the end of the 19th century. The museum itself was officially opened on 23 September 1968. The Volkstem Building, which was originally used as a storage facility and parking area, now houses the transport-related exhibits, including a Black Maria, a 1938 Ford, Harley Davidson motorbikes dating back to the 1940s, a field ambulance and Nelson Mandela’s bullet-and-bomb-proof Mercedes.

the notorious War. Here members of A scene from the Bush ce. ry out a reconnaissan SAP unit Koevoet car

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The Volkstem Building bears the 1873 founding date of the Volkstem newspaper, but the building was actually built in 1898, and the newspaper occupied the premises for a few months only. In 1990, it was declared a national monument, and is the oldest and only existing newspaper building dating back to 19th century in South Africa. The Compol Building houses crime displays and a history of the SAPS’s growth and development over the decades. Crime investigation has changed considerably over the past 70 years, so the displays are fascinating. Badges, uniforms, office furniture and other items have been collected and the museum has corresponded with collectors of insignia and uniforms worldwide. Photographic exhibitions are also of great importance.

Exhibits – and a ghost

Col Smal started her career in 1982, after obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Museology, which refers to museum studies. She is passionate about what she does. “The research and collection is still one of the things I like the most,” she says. “Being able to open students’ minds is wonderful – students often come into the Museum thinking it will be boring. I get them interested, and they realise history is not just a matter of displays.” She says people from all walks of life come to visit. “We get schoolchildren of every age, from all ethnic groups; we get old people, even blind people – we let them touch and smell things – and we get even weird people.” The weird people, by all accounts, are those who want to sleep in the museum to see the ghost! According to Col Smal, the ghost was already there when she

Kalahari, the last serving camel of the South African Police

To Explore

started her career. “The first curator told me about the ghost, and I didn’t believe it – but then we had our experiences,” she says meaningfully. Sadly, the museum is understaffed and many exhibits are not complete. “To run this museum, we really need about 45 people, and at this stage there are only 12 of us,” Col Smal says. The museum is waiting for posts to be made available so that they can put on shows like the night shows they used to do when they dressed up as criminals, and brilliant police personnel caught them. “I was always Daisy de Melker,” Col Smal chuckles. “If we get the personnel, we’ll do it again.” It’s plain to see the enthusiasm on her face. The exhibits that show the realities of the apartheid era are largely in place, as are many old uniform exhibits, as well as one showing a charge office of a bygone era. Although not yet complete, the most ominous exhibit is that of Die Gat (“The Hole”), a formerly secret Apartheid-era place where those the regime disliked came to be intimidated, interrogated or tortured. The Compol Building’s role in exhibiting the atrocities of apartheid is not well known, as most people think of John Vorster Square in Johannesburg in that regard. The museum is a lively, fascinating testament to history, the dark times and the years since the advent of democracy. Every schoolchild should visit it – and every schoolchild’s parents, too. It remains a living archive of police history, and one gains invaluable insight into the history of our nation when visiting it.

l Building e Compo hibit in th x e o ik B Steve

The yard of the Volkstem Building

The tragic story of the Soweto Uprising of 1976

T he S A P S M useum is situated in the historic C ompol and V ol k stem B u ildings on P retori u s S treet. B oth b u ildings date bac k to the end of the 1 9 th cent u r y. T he m u se u m itself was officially opened on 2 3 S eptember 1 9 6 8 .

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To Know

SAPS Addresses

PUBLIC

CONCERNS Safety and Security Guidelines Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a visitor to South Africa, or a resident of our beautiful country, it is important to remember the safety precautions provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). If the SAPS are not alerted to crime, they cannot act against it. Communities need to work hand in hand with the SAPS in order to curb crime. The community can perform a very important role by becoming the eyes and ears for the SAPS. Report all suspicious activity, people and vehicles to your nearest police station and remember to give as many details of the situation as possible. Text: The SAPS Images ÂŠ Piet Smit

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To Know

At the Airport • Make sure your bags and luggage have locks and name tags. • Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. This could be a ploy to divert your attention and steal your bag and passport. • Do not allow people to tamper with your bags. • When you need directions, go to marked information counters only.

At The Hotel, Guesthouse, Other Accommodation • Report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception. • Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room. • Store valuables in the safety deposit box. • Keep your room locked. • If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door. Contact reception if you have any reason for concern. • Hand your keys in whenever you leave. • Make sure that luggage is only given to the bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.

• At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas. • It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets. • Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers. • A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost. • Should you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the South African Tourism helpline (contact number: 087 803 4636) can recommend a reliable service.

In Your Vehicle • Plan your route in advance. • Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times. • Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle. • Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) before you go. • At night, park in well-lit areas. • Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers. • If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice and help. • For advice on planning your route and activities, consult the local tourism information office, located in most towns or cities or contact the South African Tourism helpline (contact number: 087 803 4636)

On The Street • Avoid an excessive display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables. • Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended. • Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended. • Do not carry large sums of money with you. • Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers. • Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.

On Hiking Trails • In the interest of personal safety and having assistance in the case of a physical or medical emergency, it is advisable to explore trails in groups. • Nature reserve staff are generally uniformed and clearly identifiable • Steer away from isolated areas unless accompanied by a guide.

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To Know

Informal Business Deals • Do not become a victim of advance fee fraud, known as ‘419 letter scams’. When considering whether or not to enter into a business transaction with foreigners who reside in South Africa, check the credentials of the persons or business and establish whether the business exists and whether it is legitimate. • It is strongly advised that you consult the Commercial Branch of the SAPS about any enquiries regarding transactions purportedly originating from South African government agencies or financial institutions.

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Procedures to be followed when you wish to blacklist your lost or stolen mobile phone

»» MTN: 173 (pre-paid) or 808 (contract) from MTN numbers or 083-1-173 from a land line or other cellular phone networks. »» Vodacom: 111 from a Vodacom number or 082-111 from a landline. You will receive a reference number to prove that your cellular phone has been blacklisted. Report the loss of your cellular phone to your nearest police station by providing the reference number of your blacklisted cellular phone. The police will register a case. If you make use of a service provider from your country, please ensure that you have their contact details with you to report a lost phone. Keep the contact details for your bank or credit card company seperate from your wallet in case a lost or stolen card has to be reported.

• Inform your network provider of your loss: »» Cell C: 140 from Cell C numbers or 084 140 from other cellular phone networks.

Polokwane

SAPS Polokwane: 015 290 6577/8

Johannesbrug

SAPS Sunnyside: 012 422 3600/3685

Rustenburg

SAPS Phokeng: 014 566 1856

Johannesbrug

SAPS Jeppe: 011 624 6000 SAPS Booysens: 011 433 5223/4

Bloemfontein

Nelspruit

SAPS Park Road: 051 507 6031/6

SAPS Nelspruit: 013 759 1008 SAPS Skukuza: 013 735 9000

Durban

SAPS Durban Central: 031 325 4451/2/3

Port Elizabeth

SAPS Mount Road: 041 394 6316 SAPS Humewood: 041 504 5000 SAPS Addo: 042 233 8801

CAPE TOWN

SAPS Cape Town Central: 021 467 8078/9

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I wo u ld li k e to see a S outh A frica that ta k es a serious interest in establishing peace and friendship in the world , and not merely pa y ing lip service to these important needs of man . Chief Albert John Luthuli