‘DON’T die with your unused firearm in your hand.
‘You bought it, it is licenced and you have it for the protection of yourself and your loved ones.
‘It’s all about knowing when to shoot in self-defence.’
That was the message of SAPS Richards Bay Station Commissioner, Brigadier Brenda Mgenge, to residents at a packed Veldenvlei Hall on Thursday night.
While not giving a ‘licence to kill’, Mgenge was adamant that gun usage was lawful under life-threatening circumstances.
With crime prevention as the purpose of the meeting, Mgenge was pleased to announce a number of arrests of housebreakers, which is the major crime issue in most suburbs.
‘Our successes are largely because of the good work being done by the CPI and CPF, who in addition to securing neighbourhoods, have also given vital information that led to the arrests.’
Mgenge pledged a stronger ‘marriage’ between the police and community members and called for a united fight against crime.
‘I see no reason why the police would refuse the help all the community,’ said Brig Mgenge, who gave her cell number to the attendees.
She warned that criminals did their observations during the day, often using domestic workers to gain information and access onto properties.
Mgenge said she was also committed to brokering a peace between the CPI and CPF so they could become one entity in the fight against crime.
The obvious antagonism between the two structures was reflected in heated and vigorous debate that diverted the focus of the meeting for long periods.
Meetings to resolve differences and reshape the perceived ineffectual CPF structure have been planned.
Other concerns raised included the problem of criminals utilising greenbelts and a popular call for the return of the community safety patrol bicycles, as well as availability of the Dog Unit in Richards Bay.
