Suspects on camera but SAPS not interested
My 13-year-old daughter was pickpocketed inside a store at Eastgate at the weekend and her cellphone was stolen. Security apprehended two ladies who were seen on camera leaving the store.
18 June 2012 | GEORGE of Johannesburg
Thieving Eastgate pickpockets had to be released due to SAPS bureaucracy, writes GEORGE of Johannesburg.
We waited at Eastgate security offices for the SAPS to arrive but it took a while and I could not wait for the SAPS to arrive.
The security manager suggested that I go to the Bedfordview SAPS to lay a charge because they could not detain the suspects for more than three hours without a formal charge being laid.
When I got to the Bedfordview SAPS, I was told that I could not lay a charge without an ITC and an IMEI number for the cellphone.
I got the IMEI number and was told that the ITC number would be provided within 24 hours because it was on a Sunday and they had to process the details, which could not be done immediately.
The SAPS refused to allow me to lay a charge without the ITC number and despite me arguing the fact that the suspects were caught on camera, the policewoman was not interested.
I then left and the two suspects had to be released.
This casual and uncaring attitude of the SAPS is extremely frustrating.
What happened to crime prevention and public service? A definite thumbs-up for Eastgate security, who were fast and effective.
Pity I can’t say that about our SAPS.
http://www.citizen.co.za/citizen/content/en/citizen/letters?oid=287048&sn=Detail&pid=146826&Suspects-on-camera-but-SAPS-not-interested
