Vigilance is key
Domestic workers attended workshop on safety and security
The group of domestic workers and gardeners listened intently to the various speakers, presenting a perfect picture of concentration and focus.
On the afternoon of 3 May, the Roodepoort Police’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, accompanied by representatives from Beagle Watch, and the Dobsonville, Roodepoort, Leratong, Johannesburg Taxi Association (DORLJOTA), as well as a community member, took some time to do a presentation on basic safety and security tips.
The day’s proceedings were started by Constable Shumikazi Mbuli from the Social Crime Prevention Unit. “We are here today to educate you on safety and security, as you are the most likely targets for criminals. You are the most vulnerable people and need to know what to do in an emergency situation,” she said.
She continued by conveying some basic safety tips, from not opening the gate for someone who wears a uniform to demonstrating exactly how you should carry your handbag while walking down the street. “The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to open the gate for anyone, except if your employer is expecting someone. If you feel unsafe, press your panic button, run back to the house and dial 112 from your cellphone,” she said.
She also added that workers should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. “When walking down the street to go to work, do not wear your earphones. Not only are you advertising that you have a phone, but you are also giving someone the opportunity to kidnap you, because you cannot hear if someone is walking up behind you,” she said.
Officers from Beagle Watch Security echoed Mbuli’s sentiments, highlighted some of the ways criminals gain access to properties and explained how to avoid becoming a crime statistic. The audience was also urged not to hesitate to report any suspicious activity to their security company.
Devi Naidoo, a community member with medical experience, talked about how emergency situations at home should be handled, and demonstrated some basic first aid techniques as well.
Zeblon Simelane, the spokesperson for DORLJOTA, gave some pointers on how to be safe when making use of taxis to and from work. “To help ensure our commuters’ safety, we launched a hotline that all taxi-related crime can be reported to. The hotline can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by either phoning or sms’ing. The number is 071 639 7238,” he said.
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