Successful domestic safety training held at Strubens Valley library

The Honeydew Police station held an informative training session for domestic workers on safety and security at the Strubens Valley Library on 23 October.

Warrant Officer Leshaba Ramalatso and Sgt Molly Ramukosi highlighted the many safety risks domestic workers have to deal with when they are left alone at their employers’ properties daily.

“When someone comes to the gate saying they are there to fix something,” said Ramalatso, “make sure with your employers that someone is actually scheduled to come to the property that day, don’t just open for them.”

Domestic workers were also advised to be vigilant when going outside to hang washing or take out rubbish bins. “Be aware of your surroundings and lock the entrances to the house before you go out.”

Ramukosi urged home owners to supply their employees with panic buttons or have alarm buttons installed in servants’ quarters. She added that, “a good place to install a panic button is in the bathroom. Panic buttons at front doors and so forth always get disconnected and victims are often locked in bathrooms while the criminals are robbing a property. It’s the last place they will look for a panic button”.

The importance of networking and knowing other domestic workers who work on the same street was stressed. “By knowing one another, it’s easier to alert everyone of suspicious activity.”

Domestic workers in the Roodepoort North area are requested to keep the Sector 3 vehicle patrol number on hand: 079 675 7103/7