We need more cops

IS SOUTH Africa a free place for all of us?

Recently Mhlengi Gwala, an athlete, was a victim of a chainsaw attack while practising. Please draw your own deductions from the following.

On February 24, at about 5am, I was on my routine daily walk (done over the last 25 years) when I was suddenly attacked sideways and I fell on the road.

My green Old Mutual cap (taken) saved severe injuries to my head. My left shoulder was fractured and is in a brace after surgery – a long pin and screws put in.

On February 5, a window in one of the garages was levered open, the burglar guard bent and entry made. Tools and other things were stolen. Then, with the stolen crowbar, the door to the garage was broken. The thieves failed to enter.

A pole was placed against the wall and the thieves reached the roof where three rows of tiles were removed and entry made through the trap door. A number of items, including a cable of about 20m, were stolen.

A bed, flat screen TV, microwave, fridge, clothing, money etc. were stolen from a flat and in December 2016, a television set, handbag and other items taken.

In all the above cases the follow up and results were zero. I don’t blame anyone.

We need more resources, better trained detectives, the entire criminal investigation team to think not only inside the box but also out of the box and to work with the victims to solve crimes.

They need to see all of the Columbo TV series and pick up ideas from the trench-coated police lieutenant played by Peter Falk (now late).

I am a South African, just over 84 years old.