Policing

If a poacher enters the country illegally with arms and ammunition then that is armed incursion. He should not get five years, but a life sentence must be imposed. – Anti-poacher

Disgusted by Ashton traffic cops. R500 fine for rolling over a clear stop sign at 5km. Go catch some real offenders.

How can the police say that they have enough resources when we are being robbed and burgled and they cannot effectively implement their own sector policing policy due to lack of personnel?

Judging by Lamoer’s conduct this week, Premier Helen Zille should extend the scope of the policing probe to the whole Western Cape.

Western Cape police commissioner Arno Lamoer has egg all over his face after having falsely accused Community Safety MEC Dan Plato of lying about the shortage of police at many of Cape Town’s worst crime spots. Lamoer should stop trying to play politician and get on with his job. We are getting tired of his excuses and accusations. Best he do something about the crime situation or allow someone more competent to do so. – Francois, Gordon’s Bay

I see Dan Plato is complaining about a shortage of policemen in Cape Town. But yesterday we went to Slanghoek lighthouse for a picnic. Two policemen were already sitting on a bench eating and drinking Coke, and talking for more than two hours. It was only 10.30am and they never once walked around or did anything like checking for alcohol. They drove off and there were only about 20 people around enjoying the sun – so what were they doing there so long? Where did they spend lunch? Why don’t they go to the very busy areas? One minute after they left, another police van pulled up, checked out us 20 “criminals” and left after 30 seconds. That’s very hard work for four policemen and two vans.

Some time ago a law was proposed that proof of belonging to a gang or being a gangster could lead to arrest and detention until the arrestee distanced him or herself from gang membership. Was this law ever introduced and if so has it ever been activated, and if not, why not?