GANGING UP ON COPS

The Elsies River Crime Prevention Unit had their hands tied from arresting two suspects with firearms after the community interfered and prevented members from carrying out the arrest.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said that on Tuesday at 7pm the members from the Elsies River Crime Prevention Unit responded to a shooting in Matroosfontein. 

“On their way to the scene, in Aland Road, Clarke Estate, they saw community members running in different directions. They noticed two suspects armed with firearms amongst the crowd, fleeing," said Van Wyk.

“As the members tried to arrest the suspects, the community members interfered and prevented the members from executing the arrest. The suspects got away, but the members managed to secure and recover the two firearms, a 9mm Glock with extended magazine containing seven 9mm rounds, an extra magazine with six 9mm rounds as well as a Belgique 9mm pistol with serial number removed with one 9mm round.”

“An enquiry was registered for further investigation. The firearms were handed in as exhibits and further processing.”

Roderick Ourson from the Elsies River Community Police Forum said that the community always interferes when they benefit from the suspects such as the smash and grabbers.

He explains: “The parents or mothers know their kids are doing it when they get a phone from a victim and hand it in to the "boss" they get paid. With that same money the mothers or the others involved can either buy bread which they hardly do, beers or even drugs.”

“It’s sickening to think those same people call on the police for assistance with the shooting and smash ad grabs but prevent them from doing their work effectively. Then they question where the police are but yet only a handful will stand by the police while the others will stand by the criminal. They forget it could be them next and will expect effective service but because of them services are limited.”

“I urge all [those] who are home and do nothing but expect change to start making the change by standing at the hotspots so the criminals can't go there to smash and grab. Join neighbourhood watches to help SAPS, Law Enforcement and Metro to curb the violence. Send in anonymous tips amongst others.”