Police, security companies forge links

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – Security guards from Bibi Cash and Carry and Kill Crime Security Company have described the workshop they attended on Sunday as an educational eye-opener that will help them conduct themselves in a professional way.

A security supervisor at Bibi, Olga Maine, said the workshop has equipped her with enough knowledge that will enable her to act accordingly when they have caught someone stealing in the shop.

This after she raised a concern about slow police response when they have reported the arrest of a suspected thief in the shop.
“I now know that we must not wait for the police to come to the shop; instead we can use a company vehicle to take such suspect to the police station. My concern about the immediate release of suspects by police has also been addressed. I understand that shoplifting involving less than R500 does not warrant imprisonment.”

Phuthaditjhaba Station Commander Brig Diau Ramoolla who was one of the workshop facilitators, reminded the security personnel about the importance of their work and the need for them to conduct themselves as professionals while also upgrading.

“Self-discipline starts with you. You must respect your work; do not come to work drunk and not wearing the uniform. Do not take your job for granted, and remember your job is to control access but once you take it for granted you may forget this important aspect.”

Ramoolla also advised security guards to defend themselves if they feel their lives are in danger.
“You cannot die holding a gun. If you feel your life is threatened, you must defend yourself. You must also know how to handle a crime scene.”

In his closing remarks, Ramoolla advised security companies to profile fired security guards because some of the crime is committed by them as they have inside information.
“Some of the people who are vandalizing the substations are former security guards who used to guard there. They are being used by politicians.”

The manager of Kill Crime Security, Nthabiseng Skhozana, said the information will help boost the morale of security guards who did not know what to do when attacked.

“We were not aware that section 49 protects security guards. One of the security guards here was reluctant to work after he was arrested by police for protecting himself when attacked.”

The workshop was organized by Bibi’s head of security Sam Khasibe with the aim of boosting morale of security guards around Qwaqwa, while also forging a partnership with other security guards and police so that they can share challenges and tips regarding their job.

Khasibe, himself a former police, said the purpose of the workshop was to share the basics of safety and security procedures and responsibilities.