The full force of Roodepoort’s crime-fighting, community-safety and life-saving capacity was on show on Tuesday, 18 February. Police, private security companies and emergency medical personnel treated Laerskool Roodekrans to an awe-inspiring display of sound and light.
A steady hum of anticipation covered the main grandstand as staff and learners waited eagerly for the convoy of sirens to arrive. With a bang and a cloud of red smoke, the blaring sound of authority echoed around the field as the 30-vehicle strong cavalcade paraded in front of the mesmerised young learners. Seven police cars, an Emer-G-Med ambulance and the majestic Engine 20 fire truck were among the roaring highlights.
Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke, and Head of Social Crime Prevention, Constable Shumikazi Mbuli were the first to address the school. Both emphasised the need for respect and compliance with police officers while simultaneously endearing themselves to the over 1 000 assembled children. Piet Grové of the Roodepoort Community Policing Forum explained how they act as ground force before Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Social Outreach Officer, Ouma Marudi drove the message home, saying, “Behave yourselves, be safe and listen to your teachers”.
The main attraction, however, were the furry animal officers on scene. Marcel Jonker of Dowry Security let his prized male Rottweiler, Khumba loose on Apcan Security’s Marius Pienaar. Khumba showcased his raw power and capability chasing down his target with ruthless efficiency. Sergeant Ndivhuwo Nedzata and his Johannesburg Mounted Unit then let their horses, Gordon and Hitler, get up close and personal in an impromptu feeding session with eager teachers and learners alike.
Principal Deon Rousseau was very pleased with proceedings as well as the message the police conveyed, saying, “They made the children understand that they don’t have to be afraid of the authorities. Seeing how the dogs can catch crooks was incredible and the kids especially loved the horses. Safety and security are a community responsibility and we thank them for their support. It is imperative that we all work together as one.”
Sergeant Innocentia Moeketsi was grateful for the opportunity to display how the police work together with other organisations to be a positive force in the community. “Thank you to Colonel Van Eeden who helped make this possible. Thank you to everyone who was here and thank you to the principal for allowing us the opportunity,” she concluded.
