Police
excuse themselves from pursuit of burglars
KNYSNA
NEWS - The latest crime statistics suggest that criminals are on the loose, but
despite this worrying fact a Knysna resident, Cassie Share, had to deal with
alleged police incompetency last week.
On Tuesday, September 23 between 15:00 and 16:00 Share saw two unknown individuals breaking into a home on Thesen Hill and running away with the stolen goods. Share told the Knysna-Plett Herald he happened to know the home owner, and contacted him. Then he tried to track down the criminals. "I thought luck was on my side when a police vehicle came my way. I stopped and told them what was happening. I also showed them where the housebreakers were, only to hear the one policeman say: 'Sorry, can't help you. We have prisoners in the back'."
Dumbfounded at their response, but still desperate to catch the criminals, hope flickered again when he saw a second police vehicle, this time the Tsitsikama Dog Unit.
Share said he stopped them too, just to hear: "Sorry, we can't interfere. This isn't our area." With mounting frustration, Share managed to stop a third police van – this one had two ladies and two children in the front. According to Share they were clearly on their way to Concordia, but he was told, "Sorry, we can't help you. We are on our way to Sedgefield."
Spokesperson for the Southern Cape Police, Captain Malcolm Pojie, was asked for comment. He said it is essential that the police are always professional and deliver effective service to the community. "Despite the fact that different units and vehicles are deployed in different areas, they are not bound to police only in that specific area." Pojie said the allegations of police incompetency will be investigated. On Tuesday, October 7, Pojie said, "The investigation is in a very sensitive stage." He explained that he could not comment since the investigation into allegations that police refused to assist when the complainant approached them for help, was an internal, departmental matter.
Pojie urged any eyewitnesses to visit the Knysna Police Station and compile an affidavit to help them with the investigation.
• In another incident the Knysna Police opened a case of housebreaking and theft following an alleged incident in Paradise, Knysna on Saturday, September 27. It is alleged that the owner left his residence in Loerie Street at about 19:30 on Friday, September 26. Upon his return the following morning he discovered that his house had been burgled. The suspect(s) broke a window to gain entry to the premises and stole a Sony television, a DSTV decoder as well as personal items. No arrest has been made yet. Investigation continues. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrator(s) is urged to contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Mario Uithaler, at 044 302 6652.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
On Tuesday, September 23 between 15:00 and 16:00 Share saw two unknown individuals breaking into a home on Thesen Hill and running away with the stolen goods. Share told the Knysna-Plett Herald he happened to know the home owner, and contacted him. Then he tried to track down the criminals. "I thought luck was on my side when a police vehicle came my way. I stopped and told them what was happening. I also showed them where the housebreakers were, only to hear the one policeman say: 'Sorry, can't help you. We have prisoners in the back'."
Dumbfounded at their response, but still desperate to catch the criminals, hope flickered again when he saw a second police vehicle, this time the Tsitsikama Dog Unit.
Share said he stopped them too, just to hear: "Sorry, we can't interfere. This isn't our area." With mounting frustration, Share managed to stop a third police van – this one had two ladies and two children in the front. According to Share they were clearly on their way to Concordia, but he was told, "Sorry, we can't help you. We are on our way to Sedgefield."
Spokesperson for the Southern Cape Police, Captain Malcolm Pojie, was asked for comment. He said it is essential that the police are always professional and deliver effective service to the community. "Despite the fact that different units and vehicles are deployed in different areas, they are not bound to police only in that specific area." Pojie said the allegations of police incompetency will be investigated. On Tuesday, October 7, Pojie said, "The investigation is in a very sensitive stage." He explained that he could not comment since the investigation into allegations that police refused to assist when the complainant approached them for help, was an internal, departmental matter.
Pojie urged any eyewitnesses to visit the Knysna Police Station and compile an affidavit to help them with the investigation.
• In another incident the Knysna Police opened a case of housebreaking and theft following an alleged incident in Paradise, Knysna on Saturday, September 27. It is alleged that the owner left his residence in Loerie Street at about 19:30 on Friday, September 26. Upon his return the following morning he discovered that his house had been burgled. The suspect(s) broke a window to gain entry to the premises and stole a Sony television, a DSTV decoder as well as personal items. No arrest has been made yet. Investigation continues. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrator(s) is urged to contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Mario Uithaler, at 044 302 6652.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
