By REGINALD KANYANE
23 December 2024 – The police in the North West request the community to be vigilant during this time of the year (festive holiday season), which is known for specific crime dynamics ranging from alcohol abuse to more serious and violent crimes. In addition, schools have now been closed and families are preparing to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the public is therefore urged to be vigilant and adhere to safety hints. Tselanyane said they would like to advise the public to keep their homes safe in their absence.
“Ask your neighbours to take out the post. Post left in the mailbox says that nobody is home. Make sure you have good lighting. Do not leave the outside lights on during the day.
“Do not let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those whom you trust. Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars. If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately,” he said.
Tselanyane further said if they are going on a road trip, they should buckle up. He added that they should not drink and drive.
“Keep a safe following distance and they should not use up their energy on activities, which will increase their fatigue. Get enough sleep the night before, at least six hours. Plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight.
“Make sure your car is road worthy and ensure that you have a spare wheel and that it is in good condition with the necessary tools to change a tyre. Make sure your luggage is in the boot and that is closed properly,” he said.
Tselanyane said those who are driving should stop every two hours and take 15 minute breaks. He said if they feel tired or restless, they should pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little while.
“If you are travelling at night, be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles. Know where you are going, do not use unfamiliar routes to get home. Lock your doors and close windows.
“If you are bumped from behind, head to the nearest police station or place of safety. Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates. Do not wait for your passengers, drive around the block or get out of the car and lock the doors,” said Tselanyane.
He said they should never pick up hitchhikers. Tselanyane said drivers should not get out to assist someone, who seems to be in trouble but they should inform the police.
“To ensure your safety while shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of money. Do not leave valuable belongings in the trolley. Do not have your wallet or purse visible. Do not let money be too visible, especially large amounts,” he said.
Tselanyane urged the parents to hold their children’s hands and be alert of them at all times. He said they should always accompany them to the bathroom.
“If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money to share it, rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
“If you are a farmer, remember stock theft is one of the crimes that tend to escalate during this period. Farmers and livestock owners are urged to be vigilant and to apply safety hints,” said Tselanyane.
He said farmers should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect the livestock. Tselanyane said the employment of a specially trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling to see to it that holes in and under fences are repaired at once.
“However, inspect these repairs yourself. Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times. If you consider buying an additional farm, remember, absentee landlords gather no crops. Rather try and buy close to your residential farm.
“Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS,” he said.
Tselanyane said livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner him/herself, at least once a week. He said many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals.
“If an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should properly mark their livestock, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.
“Be particularly watchful during the full moon, weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from your own experience, when stock thefts (slaughtering for the pot) occur,” said Tselanyane.
The Guardian 