Police captain hailed for ensuring safety in Elsies River

A CAPE Town police captain who is always visible when people pass the “dangerous” bridge that links Goodwood and Elsies River on their way to and from work has been hailed by his community.

Captain Henry Solomons, stationed at the Elsies River police station, is known for patrolling the area, which is notorious for armed robberies.

Resident Alain Mbuyu said every time there was a police van by the bridge, it was Solomons patrolling and ensuring that people were passing by safely.

“I can recall many times when the train was still doing the routine in Cape Town, Bellville and back and forth. There were in most cases some guys with guns attacking people in the subway because that is the only way of getting out of the station. “We were vulnerable, especially if there was not a police van around. Now, since the trains are not running, the chance-takers are attacking people on the bridge.

“I have been observing him (Solomons) for more than four years now. He is visible and making sure that early in the morning when people are going to work, when they pass that bridge they are safe, and later on in the afternoon, he waits till the late hours when people are coming from work,” Mbuyu said.

Speaking to the Cape Times, Solomons, who has been in service with the police for 35 years, said the area was dangerous and people should be vigilant. “The place is very dangerous and people made the request for visibility a couple of years ago. It’s all a lot of factors playing a role that the police can’t do visibly, so I thought I will make a plan, I will just patrol the area myself.

“I was born in Elsies River, so I know my place and most of the gangsters. Some of their parents grew up with me, so when I see them I speak to them. As people we must assist and look after each other, and be vigilant in these dangerous areas,” he said.

Mbuyu hailed Solomons’ passion for people. “It is not given to everyone to have this passion and love to protect people,” he said.