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Well said
04/09/2008 13:52
I agreee with both of the above. Shoot to kill - its the only language criminals understand, and the police sure aren't going to help you. - AS |
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Thin Blue Line
04/09/2008 13:52
I herd a radio talk recently in respect of a new book called "the thin blue line" and one caller challehnged the word thin. In essence she says a policeman needs to exude authority and whenever she sees a Metro Cop, she has a vision of being able to run away without being caught and in that thought any authority that the cop may portray is undermined immediately. She challenged the cops to look, dress, and behave as persons with authority. - GKM |
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Right on Martin
04/09/2008 13:52
I support you 100%.The police and metro have become a corrupt, lazy, inadequate bunch of morons.The "few good men" that is left are leaving in droves because of Affirmative Action, poor salaries and because they cannot fight crime on the outside as well as the corruption of their peers on the inside.I despise any corrupt official who wants to solicit a bribe from me, and vow to report them and see that they are prosecuted. - Ella Blu |
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Policing
04/09/2008 13:55
I agree with both the letters, my suggestion is that instead of a police officer taking down a statement etc, they should have PC's with statement templates etc in all languages and you then type your own by filling in the necessary fields, they print it and you sign, for those that are not PC literate they can write it for you. The training is definately not up to scratch especially the Rifle skills. All officers should be tested at least every 3 months on rifle and shooting skills. - E-Rabbit |
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Garsfontein police station
04/09/2008 13:58
My only comment is that this police station is doing it's best to help it's community and should be commended.Although there is a shortage of resources they try to partner with the community. - Louis |
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Police Stations
04/09/2008 13:58
They should be manned by competent people who can read and write, All police officers should be out in the "field" and police staion should be staffed with civilians that can do admin work etc, the holding cells at police stations should be manned by security companies so that all police officers, even the fat ones can be on the streets, plenty of them around, no wonder the criminals gets away everytime - Kosie Rosie |
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It is more the fault of the law
04/09/2008 13:58
I think the problem may be more with the laws of our countries than policing. If you actually talk to the police, they will tell you how frustrated they are. Every day they put themselves at risk in taking criminals into custody, only to see the same criminals out on the street the next day. The legal rights of criminals should be diminished, so that the police are in a better position to carry out their functions to achieve a more purposefull result. - Malcolm X |
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Who said
04/09/2008 14:01
That they are suppose to be doing policing?! As long as they reflect the demographics of our country... Ever since you've summed it up spot on. - Demograph |
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I gave this subject some thought myself and...
04/09/2008 14:05
I realized that we might be at the same point in time as that of the US and it's "western-era", the time with the cowboys and crooks. Frankly when a government has to deal with a sudden free flow of people, it will take time to figure out the tricks to curb the crooks and flush out corruption. Remember that at that time in US history, it was like free for all and people shot each other over minor disagreements. - ElectroMan |
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Regarding the SAPS
04/09/2008 14:10
I believe it to be true that majority of people joining the SAPS are those who see it as a easy way to earn a living, just like joining the army. However there are those who truly want to make a difference and join to serve and protect. The bad thing right now in SA is the negative image the SAPS has, and because of this the number of true honorable people who might want to join the fight against crime, decide to do something else. The SAPS also loose many great officers to security companies. - ElectroMan |
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Agree with these articles
04/09/2008 14:10
Criminals should not be given power , Robert MCbride , Selebi, Etc , how will you have peace with criminals in charge ?? - bongani ( The real one) |
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Re-name SAP
04/09/2008 14:11
SAP nowadays stands for "Soek Altyd Papgeld". Nearly every single person I know has either been robbed, hijacked or mugged. Not a single one of them has been informed of a suspect arrested for these crimes, never mind the mythical conviction in court of the perpetrator. Try reporting a theft at your local police station and see what sterling "service" you get. Most people give up out of frustration unless you really need a case number for insurance. - JC |
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Pretoria North
04/09/2008 14:16
I went there to do my gun license, and go amazing service from all members, keep up the good work. - PK |
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Not all are bad
04/09/2008 14:17
I agree with the second story, shoot to kill immediately is basically the only way right now. But I disagree about attitudes of policemen. They try their best, sure not all of them, but some/most. I dealt with officers from the Sunnyside and Brooklyn police stations and they were extremely professional, friendly and helpful. So its wrong to say that there are problems everywhere and with all policemen/women. - A |
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There's hope....
04/09/2008 14:17
I live near to Linden police station which I found to be very efficient, the officers on duty were friendly and helpful, I also noticed quite a few letters of glowing recommendation from community members on the wall. Please let me hear some more positive stories out there instead of the usual negative drivel... - Shay |
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Laws not strict enough!
04/09/2008 14:22
I work with a wonderful guy from Camroon. We once joked about getting free drugs in Nigeria and he then said that the Nigerians can only do their drug sales. Our laws are not strict enough and our police not empowered. He mentioned that they can't get away with in Nigeria or in Cameroon. There they will be killed so they bring their illegal activities to "easy" South Africa - Suzie |
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Cops
04/09/2008 14:22
Unfortunately this present era of policing (or lack of it) began with the Mandela government-moratorium's vs mass recruitment of former NSF's) and is continued by the Mbeki government. Until selection and training are divorced from politics,we will continue to deal with (mostly)corrupt, incompetent thugs. - Andy |
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generalising martin
04/09/2008 14:23
Yes, there are many police officers who are lazy, rude etc. etc, and this number seems to be increasing, but this was,and always has been. Perhaps the increase is directly proportional to the decrease in funding and manpower.
I have to commend the Weirdabrug (Centurion) station for some of the friendliest and most helpful officers I have ever dealt with. - drew |
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Enough Said
04/09/2008 14:27
I challenge Martin to enroll as a Police Reservist and after the training re-visit his aticle and see if he still holds the same view. Its so easy to critisize from the sidelines until the ball is in front of you. - Tony |
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shoot to kill
04/09/2008 14:27
Not when they shoot to kill an innocent person which they have done. - max |
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African Condition
04/09/2008 14:27
Johannes, why would the SAP or the Metro cops chase and catch these Killers/Rapists/Robbers??? Don't be silly man, they're meeting at the shebeen later to split the loot... - ANC way (no problem) |
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SAPS
04/09/2008 14:34
It is actually SAPS, JC. - L van Heerden |
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How to improve SAPS's image
04/09/2008 14:36
It's great that the chiefs realized that too many officers are overweight and unfit. What happened to the tests that officers should be passing throughout the year? Surely got thrown out to safe money. A person get trained, pass via corruption, will fail future tests and so the yearly tests got the door. Or they got sloppy with the tests to accommodate some. I am studying computer science and signed up to join the SAPS next year, I hope to a positive asset and improve some policies there. Cheers! - Electroman |
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Heard rumours...
04/09/2008 14:37
that they do not even do background checks on people applying to be police officers. So, half of the people walking in may actually have a criminal history. And the other half cannot read or write......
Surely there must be minimum requirements out there somewhere.... - Kien |
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Our cops deserves better !!
04/09/2008 14:38
firstly, not all cops are bad,secondly not everyone can choose such a risky career ..for peanuts & thirdly our cops are still among the bravest in the world.South African cops have to deal with the most viciuose criminals in the world & they always emerge victoriouse.It is just unfair to paint the whole force dirty because of some few individuals bad expiriences.Our cops puts their lives on the line daily fighting against organised & heavily armed thugs just to keep our country safe.Now what....? - Les-Maada |
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Boondock Saints
04/09/2008 14:44
Don't know if anyone remembers that movie...MAN it was awesome! A pair of vigilantes were cleaning up instead of the cops! Now I am not saying we all need to go rogue and start shooting people - but they did a lot for their community! - KS |
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Policing? Nope
04/09/2008 14:46
A friend of mine was involved in a smash and grab(Yes I know she was silly to have her handbag in the car) She then went to the police to report it. They told her that they have a minimum of 5 cases every evening at that robot at that time!! Then DO something about it!! - suzie |
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Police do good work
04/09/2008 14:48
under v difficult circumstances.Poorly paid and top management is hardly inspiring, is it? Police Chief needs to be someone who rose through the ranks in my opinion - or else, how does he know how to make the force more efficient? "shoot to kill" a dangerous policy - look at the couple who were shot by accident in Gauteng - VG |
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Money
04/09/2008 14:49
The cops are going to be a problem until they are paid properly. If you pay the cops, there is less temptation to take back-handers and more pride in the role. I do agree that 6 feet under is a far better place for criminals than jail. - James |
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Vote with you brain
04/09/2008 14:51
There's only one way to stop the corruption of these bottom-feeders....Stop the corruption coming from the top. Until our government is rid of corruption, the police and metro will never be fixed. At the moment they are all like a cancer eating away at the flesh of the citizens of South-Africa, and until people realise this, thing will just keep spiralling out of control like it is... - why bother? |
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Police wait for people to die first.
04/09/2008 14:54
I agree with both of the above.If we report a crime they will first ask you 1000 Questions and when they finally arrive maybe about 3 hours later if we are lucky the person would be alreay dead.They are encouraging drugs. - Lerato |
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Acceptable Collateral victims??? Agree with articles.
04/09/2008 14:58
Legislation is in place. Physical police training is in place. Adequacy of these & service delivery is. like most other Gov / municipality services, horifically lacking. Yes, it is a war zone, hence we need to fight back. Many things that can be done by gov, but they are incapable of execution of their duties due to lack of competency. Options: Bring back the death penalty "article 1 offences" ; cops to learn the law; beter training & trainers; Zero tolerency to all crime; More judicial officials - Matrix |
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Problem biigger than just that
04/09/2008 15:05
I know alot of cops, and unfortunately, I'm sad to say, the majority of cops are rotten to the core. Which is a sad prospect for All of us, especially the poor, that pulls on the shortest end of corruption, whether from these low-lives, or from the low-lives in the government that steal from the poor, to give to themselves. - How to fix? Don't vote ANC |
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@James
04/09/2008 15:11
No amount of pay are going to come close to what these cops get with their second income from crime. These unqualified people are tainted, and should be replaced with citizens that actually care about South-Africa, and not only about themselves. - New Order Needed |
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Problem biigger than just that
04/09/2008 15:11
I know alot of cops, and unfortunately, I'm sad to say, the majority of cops are rotten to the core. Which is a sad prospect for All of us, especially the poor, that pulls on the shortest end of corruption, whether from these low-lives, or from the low-lives in the government that steal from the poor, to give to themselves. - How to fix? Don't vote ANC |
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@James
04/09/2008 15:11
You can not buy a clear conscience and pride of duty with money. Paying police officers more will not solve the problem. The salaries are demoralizing given the working environment, but every police officer chose to be one, for the right reasons or not. - Mark V |
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@VG
04/09/2008 15:14
Shoot to kill is indeed a dangerous policy, if you are dealing with a society that is civil and human enough to respect life. In our case the shoot to kill policy is a necessity. If you do not support this policy then do not blame the police for doing nothing because the robbers are not sparing their guns and bullets. Give us your solution! - Hero Nakamura |
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Harrased by police
04/09/2008 15:16
I was harassed by the Sunnyside police 3 years ago for laying a complaint against two of the officers who grabbed a young girl's phone when she asked them to remove their vehicle behind her's. They parked in the road and went for lunch, parking two cars in (New meaning to the cops show CHIPS). A very senior police officer visited me at home and advised my family to move to a different house for my family's protection. My case got lost in two months. It is a dead end. - Police victim |
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@James
04/09/2008 15:18
No amount of pay are going to come close to what these cops get with their second income from crime. These unqualified people are tainted, and should be replaced with citizens that actually care about South-Africa, and not only about themselves. - New Order Needed |
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Problem biigger than just that
04/09/2008 15:18
I know alot of cops, and unfortunately, I'm sad to say, the majority of cops are rotten to the core. Which is a sad prospect for All of us, especially the poor, that pulls on the shortest end of corruption, whether from these low-lives, or from the low-lives in the government that steal from the poor, to give to themselves. - How to fix? Don't vote ANC |
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Cops very constrained. "Must die 1st??"
04/09/2008 15:21
Fully support human rights, but since it was instituted, the police were between a rock & deep blue ocean. 1hand they need to uphold these rights (even criminals & jailed rights) on other hand, fight crime, with force if necessary, & provide a service to the community. When there is no support from the community, this is impossible task. Is why we use security firms, neighbourhood watch forums, etc... Still, the criminals have better arms, opporunities, intelligence,... Loosing this war!!! - Matrix |
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Tough on cops or crime?
04/09/2008 15:22
... if they were paid better decent salaries would this not attract a better calibre of person?? Someone has to do the job so let's not get smug about them "choosing" the job - some have entered the force with the intention of making a difference but soon get disillusioned - no one, not even the courts back them up! - El |
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Cops
04/09/2008 15:25
Whe had a incident at our complexs a few weeks ago,and whe phoned the police from norkem park police station,in 5 minutes time,2 uniformed police officers arrived,and the problem was solved,this was past one in the morning,so not all of them are bad,there are a few good ones lefte,just a pitty they are so hard to find,and by the way they were both black police officers. - proud to be white |
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@ New Order Needed & Mark V & James
04/09/2008 15:27
Somewhat agree with all of you. Know cops & Pay is not an incentive but does demoralise when they dont get enough. Believe me & them when they say that they put their lives on the line & they get peanuts. Morals goes beyond that. Many have worked & done extra training to better themselves. Then some incompetent are promoted above them with more pay & seniority & benefits. Real fact. Would you not also be demoralised if that happened to you? - Matrix |
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No evidence
04/09/2008 15:28
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE DEATH PENALTY REDUCES CRIME. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE DEATH PENALTY REDUCES CRIME. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE DEATH PENALTY REDUCES CRIME. Move on. - Lou |
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Police
04/09/2008 15:31
Sadly don't agree with your second letter, I don't think the person knows the facts about the people shot in Alberton. Get the facts then post those comments. As to the image of the SAPS, your biggest problem is that to most of them it is a job and there is no passion in the job. Bring back passion and commitment and you will get a better force. Most of the people in the charge offices with rank are the integrated old railway police where the accepted qualification is a standard 6. - Gavin |
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Problem biigger than just that
04/09/2008 15:33
I know alot of cops, and unfortunately, I'm sad to say, the majority of cops are rotten to the core. Which is a sad prospect for All of us, especially the poor, that pulls on the shortest end of corruption, whether from these low-lives, or from the low-lives in the government that steal from the poor, to give to themselves. - How to fix? Don't vote ANC |
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@James
04/09/2008 15:34
No amount of pay are going to come close to what these cops get with their second income from crime. These unqualified people are tainted, and should be replaced with citizens that actually care about South-Africa, and not only about themselves. - New Order Needed |
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incompetence at most levels
04/09/2008 15:34
seem to be the order of the day. Many policemen hold ranks totally out of proportion to their abilities.How can we have an efficient police service when officers outnumber constables? It seems that everyone simply gets promoted so that they can enjoy a higher salary scale.Pay back time for political support? - lloyd macklin |
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@Martin, to answer your question. => Neither
04/09/2008 15:39
Strict Selection of cops since 94 has deterorated. AA EE etc also contributed. Many are illiterate. Might not sound like it but I am on the Police's side. They are getting a raw deal. Is also the reason why criminals are better off. Very few police left that pride themselves on what the do. Also why are so many of them taken up in private firms / enteprizes. Attended white coller crime seminar. Gov & Local Authority representatives were ALL black. All of them were bored stiff. Left before the end - Matrix |
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Hero
04/09/2008 15:41
clearly you don't follow the news: a couple was shot multiple times by the cops responding to a robbery at their home. The cops mistook them for the robbers and shot at them....while the robbers got away.We can fight crime without being reckless...and if the cops can just shoot, what are the courts there for? since "justice" has already been served. - VG |
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Hero Nakamura
04/09/2008 15:43
I am sure the Joburg family that was shot by the police know what shoot to kill mean. After escaping a potential life threatening situation, they found themselves attacked by the police told to shoot to kill. Cannot blame the police. We ask them to shoot to kill, but admonish Vavi and Malema (Mavi) when they talk of killing for Zuma. Why are we bothered by killing, when we want cops to do it? - L van Heerden |
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Reservists
04/09/2008 15:46
Become a police reservist and put more police on the streets instead of in the office doing mundane jobs. - Richard Hipkin |
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Don't trust 'em
04/09/2008 15:47
I don't trust anything in uniform, least of all these Nazi's from the Metro Police. These guys are dangerous, aggresive and downright scary. I also hold no respect for them and consider myself lucky if I manage to pass by a Metro Cop or a member of the SAPS witout being molested, beaten up and arrested for whatever. - Nomad |
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S.A.Law(lesness)
04/09/2008 15:55
What do you expect in a country where the national chief of police is a well known criminal, where they Booysens station has been on tv several times and where blood samples disappear. This this another reason why I'm pleading for the West to intervene. These freedom fighters who stole this country must be taken to task. By the way, thanks for those who came out in support of me (white and black). I do believe I'm the one to lead this country to a better future - The Prophet |
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@Matrix... I see you now! Double standards...
04/09/2008 15:58
Dear Matrix,
Some time ago I posted a letter to highlight the bad attitude SA citizens have towards cops. It was titled "Cops deserve luxury cars".
You were the one who made the most derogatory remarks and expressed utter hatred towards cops.
Now you are expressing your solidarity towards them? Me thinks you are a bit of a hypocrite. - Ernst |
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@ Lou
04/09/2008 16:01
there may not be evidence, but it is definitely worth a shot!! Criminals will start to think twice when they realise they won't get free board and lodging for a couple of months (if that) and then get out to the same if not worse!! - Ims |
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Repeat offenders...
04/09/2008 16:06
I think the shoot to kill, and the death penalty is a good idea. How many crimes are commited by repeat offenders? Each time someone is caught, they are also wanted in connection with numerous other crimes! The death penalty will almost certainly put an end to the repeat offenders!!! - Truth |
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I AGREE WITH HERO
04/09/2008 16:08
L VAN HEERDEN how can you possibly compare police shooting criminals in the line of duty (because there that has been an unfortunate incident of mistaken identity) with that of Vavi and Malema, who are leaders who should be upholding the law and displaying moral leadership. What a moronic comparison. It is like Clinton saying she will go on a killing rampage if her new ally Barama does not get elected. Good Grief, man! - johnson |
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Police
04/09/2008 16:12
Poor recruitment policies, poor training, poor leadership and poor quality of people who are becoming police = a poor police force - Pangea |
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@ Lou
04/09/2008 16:15
Maybe if we did execute already prisoned rapists and murderers(preferably public executions and it being broadcast via television) this will send out a message to those who are thinking about committing these types of crimes. Then we can move on - Thomas |
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You unfeeling piece of s..t L van Heerden!
04/09/2008 16:15
I would love to know if you would feel the same way if those were you parents that the idiots turned into Swiss cheese "by mistake",he with ten new holes and she with 5! On top of it their daughter was gang raped and none of the bastards have yet been caught! You have now left me with no doubts regarding your psyche. - The Truth |
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violence
04/09/2008 16:17
agree, just this morning I was almost wiped off the road by a taxi, with the guy who collects the money sticking his hand out the window punching my window and swearing at me... I sit and watch these people go by, whether Taxi drivers, police officers or community members showing such a lack of respect for each other it scares me...I'm left wondering - what's everyone so angry about? - louis |
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The good old days
04/09/2008 16:18
Were not what they are so often painted as. Remember that not so long ago there was national service, but one way to avoid doing that in the army was to enlist in the cops and serve a certain period of time. This would have meant that there were members of the force whose only interest was in not going to Angloa, and they could have been young and even not have completed high school. There were also a number of very nasty government stooges and right-wingers in the SAP. - Big Bad Bob |
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The good old days part 2
04/09/2008 16:21
And properly manned etc etc. Yeoville residents all knew that if they went to the station they should take their own pens (this when T Leon was our counsellor). Cops at Hillbrow struggled to take down an affidavit - if they had paper. And then there Railway Police and Prison Warders - for those too thick to get into the SAP. - Big Bad Bob |
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Tough on cops or crime?
04/09/2008 16:24
I'm of the opinion that our policing problem starts from recruitment stage. In the past a police could be identified by his/her looks without even a uniform or a pistol. From their intake to training displine, courage, built was cultivated. Today drunkerds, weaklings, criminals etc are recruited at the expense of decent people because they have connections and money. Majority of them never participated in both the uptitude and physical tests, but you see them at the Training colleges. - Exxon |
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Mister editor...
04/09/2008 16:33
Are you not allowing things to go too far here? Allowing gratuitous insults (like calling another a poster an "unfeeling piece of s..t") must surely be in contravention of your posting guidelines, and such posts don't make any kind of positive contribution or impression. - Big Bad Bob |
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