• Are your home and property lit sufficiently?

• Are your home and property adequately fenced off? Preferably use palisade fencing to allow for passive and active surveillance.

• Do thick shrubs and bushy trees grow on your property? Periodically prune them to allow for passive and active surveillance.

• Does your property have security gates and burglar proofing on the windows and doors? Ensure that your security gates and burglar doors are always closed and locked.

• Do you park your car on the pavement or driveway? If so, ensure that your car is locked and all its safety systems are activated. Preferably park your car behind locked gates.

• Is there enough street lighting in your neighbourhood? Report lighting problems to the Electricity Division, tel 012 358 2451 or streetliq hts@tshwane.qov.za. and remember to give the lamp pole num,ber and street name.

• Are your street signs visible at street intersections? Report defects to Infrastructure and Asset Management, tel 012 358 4870/7756.

• Are road signs and road surface markings in your suburb defaced? Report any problems to the Road and Stormwater Division, tel 012 358 0614, or after hours to the Pieter Delport Centre, tel 012 358 2111 or 083 657 2974.

• Criminals operate in dark areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and deserted public open spaces.

• Are there identifiable footpaths from one end of your area to the other? Be observant of the movement of people on these footpaths.

• Is there a vacant stand or erf adjacent to your property or in your neighbourhood?

• Is there a vacant building or house next to your property or neighbourhood? What are the typical activities taking place in these vacant houses and properties?

• Are there overgrown bushes, shrubs, trees and grass in your neighbourhood ‘,~ and at street intersections?

• Is there a public open space in your neighbourhood or suburb used by vagrants or loiterers? Are there shacks near street intersections or pavements or next to bus stops in your neighbourhood or suburb?

• Do you have information about security companies patrolling your neighbourhood?

• Do you participate in the local neighbourhood watch or the community policing forum in your area?

• Is there dumping on open spaces in your neighbourhood, either by developers, builders or community members?

• Are you always alert when reaching street intersections, off- and on-ramps, embarking and disembarking from your vehicle or entering your driveway?

For problems with any of the above, contact us at tmpd.enviro@tshwane.qov.za

Residents can report faulty streetlights at the following numbers:

080 1111 556, 012 358 9999 or 012 358 2540/1 all hours,  012 339 9111 (all hours)or  e-mail to streetlights@tshwane.gov.za

Information needed to ensure a quick response

• Physical address
• Street light pole number
• Detail of the problem
• Contact details of the caller
• Nearest street corner from faulty streetlight

After all the information above has been received the division/call centre will issue a reference number to the caller send a job card to the Dispatch Team.

Response times

Our new target is to repair faulty street lights within two (2) working days, cable faults will be repaired within seven (7) working days.  Where a street light pole has been damaged to such an extent that the pole needs to be replaced or where theft of conductors took place it will take 14 working days after notification due to the insurance procedures.

Vandalism

Vandalism should not be tolerated and anyone seeing people that are deliberately damaging street lights can report their actions at the contact numbers provided.

The city experiences some challenges in sustaining its streetlight services namely: 

• Conductor theft is rife in especially the Ga-Rankuwa and Centurion areas. The city’s  acceptable standards of safety and serviceability have been difficult to maintain and perhaps more importantly the ability of the network to effectively fulfill its wider community function has been compromised

·         Private contractors damage cables and do not report these incidents to the city. This is happening especially in Centurion

·         Cutting of trees on the streetlight networks in Danville and most portions in Pretoria East

·         Unforeseen circumstance e.g. weather

·         Incorrect information provided when streetlight complaints are reported. We are however correcting this.  We have put together a communication plan that aims to raise awareness and educate our communities on the correct and effective reporting of faulty streetlights

·         Multiple reporting of faults causing duplication of faults reported

·         Accidents not reported

A total number of 3445 complaints have been recorded for the period1October – 29 November 2010. 

In  a bid to eradicate the backlogs the City’s Energy and Electricity Department implemented some short term measures to fast-track the provision of this service. Part of its intervention is that its depots, except in the  Eskom areas, should assist with public lighting. Public Lighting Teams will also assist the depots where capacity is needed

The relevant depots should report on jobs that they were not able to repair as a result of cable faults, vandalism, theft, damages. 

The absorption of contract employees to full time employment is another intervention that the city has considered; and creating additional capacity by deploying more resources e.g. hiring of 18 cherry pickers, employment of 10 electricians/artisans, specialized equipments and skills.

Kyk net waar trek die jaar alweer !!  Die afgelope paar maande het heelwat inwoners by die Buurtwag aangesluit en ons verwelkom elkeen van hulle hartlik in ons midde.   Ons wil hieronder net ‘n paar mededelings en gedagtes met almal in die Buurtwag deel.

Ons het ‘n maand gelede ons eerste Algemene Jaarvergadering gehou.  Die notule van hierdie vergadering is op ons webblad beskikbaar by www.garslink.wordpress.com.  Ons nooi u vriendelik uit om die webblad te besoek en indien u voorstelle of kommentaar het, dit gerus aan ons deur te gee.  Onthou, die webblad is Garslink Buurtwag s’n en moet aan almal se behoeftes voldoen.  U is welkom om interessanthede wat op veiligheid betrekking het, aan Marius le Roux te stuur vir plasing op die webwerf vir almal se kennisname. Ons het ook ‘n e-posadres en u kan enige kommunikasie per e-pos onder ons aandag bring.  Ons e-posadres is garslinkbuurtwag@gmail.com.

Intussen het Paul Roux weens werkverpligtinge as Voositter bedank en neem Theo Potgieter tans as Voorsitter waar.  Ook Koos Snyman het bedank as Straatleier vir Vistastraat. Max Lange GL 4 in intussen verkies tot straatleier met Doris Simpson GL 21 wat aanbly as onderleier.

Ons doen ‘n ernstige beroep op elkeen wat ‘n radio besit, om saans deel te neem aan die radioroep.  Die radioroep is nie ‘n manier om u doen en late te bepaal nie, maar bloot om, eerstens, u en u huismense gewoond te maak aan die gebruik van die radio en tweedens, om te verseker dat u radio in ‘n werkende toestand is en die battery voldoende gelaai is.  Luister maar gerus saans; byna elke aand is daar een of meer persone wat die radioroep kan hoor, maar wanneer hulle wil uitsaai, kom hulle agter dat die battery nie genoeg gelaai is nie.  Dit help nie dat u ons kan hoor, maar wanneer ‘n noodsituasie ontstaan, u nie hulp van die gemeenskap kan ontbied nie.  Die onus rus dus op uself om ook op hierdie wyse na u eie veiligheid om te sien.  Die radioroepe geskied elke aand op kanaal 1 vanaf 19:30.  In uitsonderlike gevalle waar ‘n gebruiker moet uitgaan en nie tydens die radioroep in die area kan wees nie, kan gebruikers vanaf 19:00 vroeë-roepe doen en na afloop van die geskeduleerde radioroep, tot 21:00 laat-roepe doen indien u u beurt misgeloop het.

Ons kyk na n winter en somer roeptyd. Die voorstel is dat vanaf 1 April tot en met 31 Augustus die tyd vervroeg word na 19:00. Laat ons asseblief per kerende mail voor 18 Maart weet wat U keuse is. Die meerderheid sal die uitslag bepaal.

Let asseblief daarop dat die radio slegs vir misdaadverwante sake gebruik kan word.  Na 22:00 saans slaap daar reeds kinders en self volwassenes en moet die radio baie oordeelkundig gebruik word.  Onthou, na 22:00 maak elke berig oor die radio ‘n klomp huishoudings wakker en daarom moet sulke berigte slegs gestuur word as dit dringend is en mense se lewens of eiendom bedreig word.  Alle patrolliemotors moet te alle tye op kanaal 2 kommunikeer.

Ons is dringend op soek na inwoners wat gedurende die dag in die Garslink-area is en ons kan help om deur die area patrollie te ry en/of om as dagkontroleur op die radio op te tree.  Ons dink hier veral aan persone wat tuis werk, huisvrouens en ons senior afgetrede inwoners wat sodoende waardevolle bydraes tot ons gemeenskap kan maak deur verdagte persone of omstandighede te rapporteer.  Kontak asseblief vir Henning van Wijk (GL 02) by henning@vanwijk.co.za of op 012 348 9523 (w) of selno. 082 5767 082 indien u hiermee kan help.

Weens enkele versoeke in hierdie verband, wil ons ook van u verneem wat u gevoel is omtrent die gebruik van die radio gedurende redelike ure (bv. 07:00 tot 18:00), om verlore troeteldiere aan te meld.  Laat weet ons asseblief per kerende e-pos hoe u hieroor voel.

Die misdaad in Garslink het drasties verminder vandat ons radionetwerk so vinnig uitgebrei het.  Ons kan nog baie meer lede op die stelsel akkommodeer (tot ongeveer 400).  Gesels met u buurmense wat nog nie lid is nie en vertel hulle van die voordele wat u byna kosteloos geniet.

Stuur vir ons gerus u insette en berigte per e-pos sodat almal kan voordeel trek uit u kennis en ervaring !

Groetnis

Bestuurskomitee

Dear Members of the Garslink Neighbourhood Watch

It’s amazing to see how swift the year is passing !!  In the past few months many new residents enrolled with our Neighbourhood Watch (NW) and to each of them we bid a hearty word of welcome.  We want to share the following information and ideas with everybody in our NW.

A month ago, we had our first Annual General Meeting (AGM).  The minutes of this meeting is available on our web site at www.garslink.wordpress.com.  Please visit the web site and send us any comments or recommendations.  Remember, it is the web site of Garslink NW and therefore must comply with our needs and requirements.  You are most welcome to send any safety related articles or snippets to Marius le Roux for placement on the web site for everybody’s information.  We also have an e-mail address and all communication should be done by e-mail at garslinkbuurtwag@gmail.com.

Since the AGM, Paul Roux has resigned as Chairman of the NW due to work related matters and Theo Potgieter is currently acting as Chairman.  Koos Snyman also resigned as Street Leader of Vista Street. Max Lange Gl 4 has been elected as Street leader with Doris Simpson GL 21 as his deputy.

We wish to appeal to each resident with a radio to please participate in the radio roll call every evening.  The radio call is not to spy on or determine your affairs, but an earnest way to, firstly, familiarise you and your household with the operation of the radio and, secondly, to ensure that your radio is in working condition and that the battery has been fully charged.  You are welcome to listen to the radio call in the evenings; almost every evening there are one or more people that can hear everything that are being said, but once they try to transmit, they find that their battery has not been sufficiently charged.  It’s no use that you can hear us, but being unable to call for help from the community when there is an emergency.  The responsibility squarely rests on you to also care for your safety in this manner.  The radio calls are done on channel 1 at 19:30 every evening.  In exceptional circumstances where you have to leave home and will not be in the area during the radio call, an early call can be made from 19:00.  After completion of the formal radio call, a late radio call may be done up to 21:00 if you have missed your call. We are looking into having a winter and summer call time. The proposal is that from 1 April until 31 August we start at 19:00. Please let us have you opinion by latest 18 March. The majority feedback will determine the result.

Please note that the radio may only be used for security related purposes.  Many kids and even adults are asleep after 22:00 and therefore the radio must be used with the utmost discretion.  Remember that each message sent over the radio after 22:00 wakes a number of households and thus such messages should only be sent if it is urgent and peoples’ lives or property are threatened.  All patrol cars to communicate on channel 2 at all times.

We are urgently looking for residents to patrol the area during the daytime and/or to officiate as day-controller on the radio.  In this regard we have in mind home-workers, housewives and our senior pensioners who can add valuable contributions to our community by reporting suspect persons or events.  Please contact Henning van Wijk (GL 02) at henning@vanwijk.co.za or on 012 348-9523 (w) or cell no. 082 5767 082 should you be able to help in this regard.

On account of occasional requests, we would like to establish your opinion about the usage of the radio during reasonable hours (eg. 07:00 to 18:00) to report lost pets.  Please inform us by e-mail how you feel about this matter.

Crime occurrences in Garslink have reduced drastically since our rapid radio network expansion.  Our radio system can accommodate many more members (up to approx. 400).  Please inform your non-member neighbours about the advantages of this near free radio system.

Please send us your inputs and articles by e-mail so that all of us can benefit from your knowledge and experience.

Regards

Management Committee

NOTULE VAN DIE ALGEMENE JAARVER-GADERING VAN DIE GARSFONTEIN BUURTWAG GEHOU TE LAERSKOOL GARSFONTEIN SKOOLSAAL OP DINSDAG, 8 FEBRUARIE 2011 OM 18:30

OPENING

Theo Potgieter, Ondervoorsitter, heet almal welkom en sê dat Paul Roux, Voorsitter, weens onvoorsiene werksomstandighede eers later by die vergadering sal kan aansluit en dat ons intussen met die vergadering kan voortgaan.

Hy sê ook dat Lt-Kol Solomons, Hoof Visuele Polisiëring van Garsfontein SA Polisiediens (SAPD) verskoning aangeteken het.

Theo heet die volgende persone welkom:

Carol van Niekerk, Voorsitter van Sektor 3 Komitee

Lynette Erasmus, SAPD Bestuurder van Sektor 3.

Carol open die vergadering met skriflesing uit Jakobus 1 vers 28 en doen daarna ‘n gebed.

Theo bedank Carol en ook die patrolleerders van blok 3 wat aangebied het om die motors buite die saal op te pas tydens die vergadering.

Hy verduidelik aan die vergadering dat alhoewel daar later na verskeie aspekte van die beoogde straatsluiting van Garslink verwys sal word, hierdie vergadering nie per se  ‘n vergadering oor daardie onderwerp is nie.

GEMEENSKAPSPOLISIëRINGSFORM (GPF)

Theo gee ‘n kort oorsig van die bedieningsgebied van die Garsfontein Polisiestasie en verduidelik dat dit uit vier sektore bestaan, nl. Wapadrand as sektor 1, Faerie Glen as sektor 2, Garsfontein as sektor 3 en Constantiapark en Moreletapark as sektor 4.  Hy stel vir Carol aan die woord om meer breedvoerig te praat oor sektor 3.

Carol verduidelik dat sektor 3 heelwat verder strek as net Garsfontein en ook Woodhill, The Wilds en die

GARSLINK NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GARSFONTEIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH HELD IN GARSFONTEIN PRIMARY SCHOOL HALL ON TUESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2011 AT 18:30

OPENING

Theo Potgieter, Vice Chairman, welcomes everybody and says that Paul Roux, Chairman, will only join the meeting at a later stage due to unforeseen work related matters and that we can continue with the meeting in the mean time.

He also states that Lt-Col Solomons, Chief of Visual Policing of the Garsfontein SA Police Service (SAPS) requested to be excused.

Theo then welcomed the following persons:

Carol van Niekerk, Chairman of Sector 3 Committee

Lynette Erasmus, SAPS Manager of Sector 3.

Carol opens the meeting by reading from the Scriptures from James 1 verse 28 and thereafter does a prayer.

Theo thanks Carol as well as the patrollers from block 3 who offered to watch over the vehicles outside the hall during the meeting.

He explains to the meeting that although there will be referred to different aspects of the envisaged street closure of Garslink later in the meeting, this meeting is not per se a meeting dealing with that subject.

COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM (CPF)

Theo gives a short overview of the service area of the Garsfontein Police Station and explains that it consists of four sectors, viz. Wapadrand as sector 1, Faerie Glen as sector 2, Garsfontein as sector 3 and Constantia Park and Moreleta Park as sector 4.  He calls upon Carol to elaborate on sector 3.

Carol explains that sector 3 is much larger than just the Garsfontein area, and also includes Woodhill, The Wilds and the area up to the Pretoria East

area tot by die Pretoria-Oos begraafplaas insluit.  Sy sê dat sektor 3 verdeel is in 10 blokke en dat elke

Blok ‘n blokverteenwoordiger in die Sektor 3

Komitee het.  Die huidige ampsbekleders van die Sektor 3 Komitee se name word op die oorhoofse projektor soos volg aangedui:

Voorsitter:                                          Carol van Niekerk

O/Voorsitter:                                     Martin Bester

Sekretaris:                                          Theo Potgieter

Patrolies:                                             Anneke Bodenstein

Sekuriteit:                                           Fred v Rensburg

Radios:                                                 Retief Pretorius

Skole en Kerke:                                                Martin Bester

Aftree-oorde:                                   Dan v Ryneveld

Spruit en Parke:                                                Annetjie Markham

Maatskaplike bewustheid:          Carol v Niekerk

Carol sê voorts dat Garslink in die afgelope jaar groot vordering gemaak het met ledewerwing en ook daarin geslaag het om ‘n eie herleier te installeer.  Sy bedank die huidige Bestuurskomitee vir hulle uitstekende werk in hierdie verband.  Sy wys ook daarop dat daar in hierdie jaar ‘n suksesvolle interblokkommunikasiekanaal geskep is waaraan die meeste blokke behoort.

Theo bedank Carol vir haar insette en stel Lynette Erasmus aan die woord.

GARSFONTEIN POLISIE

Lynette sê dit is belangrik om al jou bure te ken en van hulle bewegings te weet.  Sy sê dat haar en die drie ander sektorbestuurders se taak hoofsaaklik is om inwoners en gemeenskappe betrokke te kry om die Polisie by te staan.

Sy sê dat sedert genl. Petros in November 2010 in Gauteng aangestel is, die twee polisievoertuie wat die hele GPF gebied moes patrolleer, nou tot twee per sektor vermeerder is met elke voertuig wat ‘n gemeenskapsradio en selfone het.  Sy sê dat Lt-Kol Solomons spesiale aandag gee aan “smash-and –grab” misdade in die hele gebied en sy noem die kruisings van Atterbury en Alsation, en Jacqueline en Alsation as brandpunte in hierdie opsig.

Vervolgens stel Lynette die huidige Dagbestuur van Garslink aan die vergadering voor en stel Werner Prinsloo aan die woord om te praat oor die wetlike samestelling van die buurtwag.

Cemetry.  She says that sector 3 is divided into 10 blocks and that each block is represented by a

block representative on the Sector 3 Committee.  The names of the current office bearers of the Sector 3 Committee are shown on the overhead projector as follows:

Chairman:                                           Carol van Niekerk   V/Chairman:                                                Martin Bester

Sekretary:                                           Tom Potgieter

Patrols:                                                 Anneke Bodenstein

Security:                                              Fred v Rensburg

Radios:                                                 Retief Pretorius

Schools and Churches:                   Martin Bester

Retirement Vill:                                                Dan v Ryneveld

Spruit and Parks:                              Annetjie Markham

Social awareness:                            Carol v Niekerk

Carol also says that Garslink has made great progress with recruitment of members in the past year and also succeeded in erecting their own repeater.  She thanks the current committee for their exceptional work in this regard.  She also points out that during this year a successful inter block communication channel had been created to which most of the blocks subscribe.

Theo thanks Carol for her inputs and introduces Lynette Erasmus.

GARSFONTEIN POLICE

Lynette emphasises the importance of knowing your neighbours and their movements.  She says that her own and the three other sector managers’ task primarily is to get residents and communities involved in assisting the Police.

She says that since Genl. Petros was appointed in Gauteng in November 2010 the two police vehicles patrolling the whole of the CPF, have been increased to two vehicles per sector with each vehicle having a community radio and cell phones.  She says that Lt-Col Solomons is giving special attention to “smash-and-grab” crimes in the whole area and she mentions the intersections of Atterbury and Alsation, and Jacqueline and Alsation as focus points in this regard.

Next Lynette introduces the current Management Committee of Garslink to the meeting and also introduces Werner Prinsloo to elaborate on the legal aspects of the composition of the neighbourhood watch.

GARSLINK WETLIKE ASPEKTE

Werner Prinsloo verduidelik dat daar wetlik twee tipes liggame is wat geskep kan word om statuur te gee aan ‘n buurtwag, nl. ‘n Artikel 21 maatskappy (nie winsbejag) of ‘n Assosiasie.  In Garslink word die assosiasie-liggaam verkies aangesien dit nie onderhewig is aan verskeie wetlike verpligtings en registrasies soos ‘n artikel 21 maatskappy nie.  Hy sê voorts dat die verskil tussen Garslink en die beoogde straatsluitingsorganisasie (Gars-Glen) is dat Garslink ‘n feitlik kostelose gemeenskapsdiens is deur en aan die gemeenskap.  Gars-Glen sal, wanneer dit ‘n realiteit word, ‘n maatskappy stig en inwoners sal ‘n sekuriteitsheffing betaal.  Die maatskappy is dan onderhewig aan al die voorskrifte en registrasies wat die Wet voorskryf.

Hy sê ook dat wanneer Gars-Glen die tipe sekuriteit verskaf wat beoog word, die Garslink buurtwag moontlik kan verval, aangesien geen verdere sekuriteit dan moontlik nodig mag wees nie, maar tot tyd en wyl Gars-Glen gestig word en ten volle operasioneel is, is Garslink Buurtwag se sekuriteitsdienste van kardinale belang.  Werner verduidelik dat die huidige sekuriteitsdienste bestaan uit:

-          Die radionetwerk;

-          Die sms sisteem; en

-          Patrollies deur vrywilligers.

KONSTITUSIE

Theo lig die vergadering in dat die GPF ‘n oorhoofse konstitusie het (beskikbaar op www.garsnet.com) en dat Garslink ‘n eie konstitusie het. Hy stel Paul Roux aan die woord om die Garslink konstitusie aan die vergadering te verduidelik.

Paul Roux sê dat die Garslink konstitusie ooreen-komstig die riglyne van die GPF konstitusie opgestel is.  Dit bevat die doelwitte wat bereik moet word en bepaal die skepping van ‘n Bestuurskomitee en daardie komitee se pligte en verantwoordelikhede.  Die doelwitte word soos volg genoem:

Om tussen die gemeenskap en die Polisie:

-  ‘n vennootskap te stig;

-  kommunikasie te bevorder;

-  samewerking te bewerkstellig;

Om oor verbeterde polisiëring in die gebied te adviseer;

Om gesamentlik deursigtigheid en verant-woordelikhede van die SAPD te bevorder; en

Om gemeenskaplike probleme te identifiseer en oplossings daarvoor te soek.

GARSLINK LEGAL ASPECTS

Werner Prinsloo explains that there are two types of bodies that can legally be created to give stature to a neighbourhood watch, viz. an Article 21 Company (non profit-seeking) or an Association.  In Garslink the association is the preferred body as it is not

subject to legal aspects and registrations as required with an article 21 company.  He also says that the difference between Garslink and the envisaged organisation for the street closure (Gars-Glen) is that Garslink is an almost free community service by and

for the community.  When Gars-Glen becomes a reality, it would register a company and community members will pay a security levy.  The company will then be subject to all the regulations and registrations as prescribed by the Act.

He also says that when Gars-Glen provides the type of security that is currently envisaged, Garslink neighbourhood watch could possibly cease to exist, as no additional security services may then be necessary, but until such time that Gars-Glen is fully operational the security services of Garslink neighbourhood watch is of paramount importance.  Werner also explains that the current security services consist of:

-          The radio network;

-          The sms system; and

-          Patrols by volunteers.

CONSTITUTION

Theo informs the meeting that the CPF has an umbrella constitution (available on www.garsnet.com) and that Garslink has its own constitution.  He introduces Paul Roux to explain the Garslink constitution to the meeting.

Paul Roux says that the Garslink constitution was drafted according to the guide-lines of the CPF constitution.  It contains the objectives to be attained and determines the creation of a Management Committee and the responsibilities and duties of such a committee.  The Objectives are as follows:

Between the community and the Police:

-          To establish a partnership;

-          To improve communication;

-          To promote co-operation;

To advise on improved policing in the area;

To jointly improve transparency and accountability of the SAPS

To promote identification of common problems and to seek solutions therefor.

Die konstitusie is beskikbaar op www.garslink.wordpress.com.  Paul doen verder verslag deur te noem dat Garslink ‘n jaar gelede ongeveer 40 radiogebruikers op die B3 herleier gehad het en dat ons nou na afloop van die jaar 132 radiogebruikers is op Garslink se eie herleier.  Die sms stelsel het ook uitgebrei en het tans ongeveer 140 lede.  Die voordeel van die vergrote radionetwerk is dat inwoners hulle bure leer ken het en in veiligheids- en mediese noodgevalle kon bystaan.  Paul sê ook dat daar sedert die uitbreiding van die radiogebruikers en die instelling van meer gereelde patrollies, ‘n drastiese afname in die misdaadvoorvalle in die gebied te siene was.

Op ‘n vraag van mnr. Andries Snyman verduidelik Carol aan die vergadering dat die SAPD baie sensitief is oor die bekendmaking van enige misdaad-statistiek, (nou genoem “misdaadtendense”) en dat dit nie vryelik beskikbaar gestel kan word aan die publiek nie.  Gebiede kan wel hulle eie statistiek byhou, maar dan sal elke inwoner moet saamwerk en enige voorval by ‘n sentrale punt moet aanmeld.

FINANSIES

Theo stel Franco Scheffer aan die woord om die finansiële posisie van die Buurtwag aan die hand van die voorlopige state vir die jaar wat op 28 Februarie 2011 sal eindig aan die vergadering te verduidelik.  Franco sê dat die finansiële situasie redelik gesond lyk, maar dat dit grootliks te danke is aan die depresiasie-inskrywing van die herleier.  Dit bring mee dat daar ‘n positiewe saldo van R9 664 na die volgende boekjaar oorgedra sal word.  Franco sê ook dat dit kommerwekkend is dat meer as R5 000 se ledebydraes nog nie betaal is nie en hy doen ‘n beroep op daardie lede om hulle gelde te betaal.

Op ‘n versoek van Werner Bruhns word daar goedgekeur dat die besonderhede van die uitgawes t.o.v. lisensies, groen ligte, baadjies, identifiserings-magnete, herleitoring, ens. in die toekoms in meer besonderhede op die state weergegee word.

STRAATLEIERS

Theo verduidelik aan die vergadering dat Garslink hoofsaaklik agt hoofstrate het en dat die kleiner

strate almal onder hierdie agt hoofstrate verdeel is.  Elke hoofstraat het ‘n Straatleier en ‘n Adjunk- Straatleier wat verantwoordelik is vir die verspreiding van Buurtwaginligting in hulle onderskeie strate.  Daarbenewens doen die straatleiers ook beurtelings die daaglikse  radiotoetse.

The constitution is available on www.garslink.wordpress.com.  Paul further reports by saying that a year ago Garslink only had about 40 radio users on the B3 repeater and now, after one year, there are 132 radio users on Garslink’s own repeater.  The sms system has also expanded and currently has approximately 140 members.  The advantage of the expanded radio network is that residents got to

know their neighbours and could assist them in security and medical emergencies.  Paul also says that there have been drastic reductions in crime incidents since the expansion of the radio users and the commencement of more frequent patrols.

On a question of Mr. Andries Snyman, Carol explained to the meeting that the SAPS is very sensitive about publishing any crime statistics (now referred to as “crime tendencies”) and that it is not freely available to the public.  Areas can keep their own statistics, but that would mean all residents will have to work together in reporting any incident to a central point.

FINANCES

Theo introduces Franco Scheffer to explain the financial position of the Neighbourhood watch on

the basis of the preliminary statements for the year which will end on 28 February 2011.  Franco says that the financial position is fairly healthy, but that this position is mainly as a result of the depreciation entry of the repeater.  This entry causes a positive balance of R9 664 which will be carried over to the next financial year.  Franco also voices his concern about the fact that membership fees of more than R5 000 have not yet been paid and he appeals to those members to pay their dues.

On request of Werner Bruhns the meeting approves that the expenditures with regard to licences, green lights, jackets, identification magnets, repeater, etc. will in future be reported on the statements in more detail.

STREET LEADERS

Theo explains to the meeting that Garslink primarily has eight main streets and that the smaller streets have been grouped with the eight main streets.  Each main street has a Street Leader and a Deputy Street Leader and they are responsible for the distribution of Neighbourhood Watch information in their respective streets.  In addition, the street leaders also do the daily radio tests on a rotation basis.

Theo stel vir Henning van Wijk aan die woord om te praat oor patrollies en patrolliedienste

PATROLLIES

Henning sê dat die patrollieskedule vir patrolliediens

maandeliks opgestel word en per e-pos aan die patrolleerders gestuur word.  Lede wat aangedui het dat hulle vrywillig patrollie sal ry kry een diensbeurt van twee uur per maand.  Dit behels om heen en weer deur die gebied te ry en te kyk vir enigiets wat ongewoon en suspisieus lyk.  Hy sê dat alhoewel die tye van die patrollies ooreenkomstig die misdaadtendense vasgestel word, daar nie huidiglik werklik ‘n patroon van misdaad in Garslink vasgestel kon word nie.  Tans ry patrolleerders alleen per diensbeurt aangesien daar nie genoeg vrywilligers is om ‘n diensbeurt saam te doen nie.  Hy sê slegs 43% van die radiolede doen patrollie en hy vra dat die ander 57% heroorweeg om ook as patrolleerders aan te sluit.

RADIOS

Max Lange verduidelik die werking en opvangsgebied van die herleier en sê dat Garslink tans 98% dekking het.  Die Garslink herleier het een frekwensie wat tegnies in twee dele (“tones”) verdeel word wat die twee kanale moontlik maak.  Aangesien net een frekwensie gebruik word, kan daar nie gelyktydig op kanaal 1 en 2 gepraat word nie.  Max sê dit is belangrik om die radiotoets elke aand te doen sodat die gebruiker kan vasstel of

sy/haar radio werk of nie.  Na bespreking word daar goedgekeur dat vroeë en laat radioroepe saans net tussen 19:00 en 21:00 beantwoord sal word en dat die radiotoets steeds elke aand om 19:30 sal plaasvind.

Max verduidelik die prosedure vir die laai van die radiobattery en sê die gerieflikste is om dit soggens in die laaier te plaas en saans voor die radioroep uit te haal en tot die oggend uit te hou.  Hy sê dat die radio uit die laaier gehaal moet word voor enige transmissie begin word.  Hy sê voorts dat die kapasiteit van die herleitoring en die frekwensie sodanig is dat Garslink se radiogebruikers tot ongeveer 400 kan vermeerder.

Mnr. Jan Reinecke spreek sy eie en die vergadering se dank uit teenoor die Komitee en Straatleiers en Adjunk-leiers vir hulle werk oor die afgelope jaar.  Hy vra weer eens dat daar besin moet word oor die gebruik van kanaal 2 vir alle kommunikasie in Garslink sodat kanaal 1 slegs vir uiterste noodgevalle

Theo introduces Henning van Wijk to elaborate on patrols and patrol services

PATROLLS

Henning says that the schedule for patrol duties

is compiled monthly and is sent to the patrollers by e-mail.  Members who have indicated that they are prepared to voluntary do patrol, get one patrol duty of two hours per month.  The duty involves driving to and fro through the area and observing anything out of the ordinary or anything suspicious.  He says that although the timeslots of patrols are determined with the crime tendencies in mind, it has not, to date, been possible to determine a crime pattern in the Garslink area.  Currently patrollers do a patrol on their own, as there are not enough volunteers to have two people to do a duty together.  He says that only 43% of the radio members do patrol duty and he requests that the remaining 57% reconsider and also join the ranks of the patrollers.

RADIOS

Max explains the operation and reception area of the repeater and says that the coverage in Garslink is currently 98%.  The Garslink repeater has one frequency that has technically been divided into two ”tones” resulting in the two channels.  As only one frequency is used, it is not possible to use channels 1 or 2 simultaneously.  Max also says that it is important to do the radio test every evening in order for the user to ascertain whether his/her radio is working or not.  After discussion it is approved that early and late radio calls will only be replied to between 19:00 and 21:00 and that the radio test will still be done at 19:30 every evening.

Max explains the procedure for charging the radio battery and says the most convenient method is to put the radio in the charger in the morning and then to remove it before replying to the radio call in the evenings and to keep it out until the next morning.  He says to always remove the radio from the charger before transmitting.  He continues by saying that the capacity and the frequency of the repeater is such that the radio users of Garslink can increase to approximately 400.

Mr Jan Reinecke expresses his own appreciation and that of the meeting towards the Committee and the Street Leaders and Deputy Street Leaders for their work during the past year.  He requests that consideration once again be given to the use of channel 2 for all communication in Garslink and thus

ingespan kan word.  Dit sal meebring dat normale radioverkeer nie mense wat reeds slaap snags wakker maak nie.  Max sê dat kanaal 1 die noodkanaal is en dat die patrolleerders te alle tye kanaal 2 moet gebruik.

Mnr. Reinecke sê ook dat hy die gevoel kry dat Garslink- en die Gars-Glenaksie (straatsluiting) met mekaar dwarstrek.  Hy doen ‘n beroep op die twee aksies om mekaar ten volle te ondersteun.

Op ‘n vraag uit die vergadering of ‘n persoon se naam uit die lys van radiogebruikers geskrap word as hy/sy op drie agtereenvolgende radioroepe nie inroep nie, verduidelik Max dat so ‘n persoon se naam nie verwyder word nie, maar dat hy/sy by sy/haar terugkeer, ‘n vroeë of laatroep moet doen om weer kronologies in die roeplys ingesluit te word.

SEKURITEITSVOERTUIG

Paul verduidelik aan die vergadering die voordele verbonde daaraan om ‘n toegewyde sekuriteitsvoertuig in die area beskikbaar te hê.  Hy vra die vergadering om die Bestuurskomitee ‘n mandaad te gee om met die verskillende sekuriteitsmaatskappye te onderhandel

sodat die beste opsie vir Garslink uitgewerk kan word.  Die vergadering stem daartoe in met ‘n oorgrote meerderheid.  Paul sê dat die inwoners na afloop van die onderhandelings volledig oor die opsies ingelig sal word.

Mnr. Werner Bruhns vra dat ‘n verteenwoordiger van Gars-Glen ook in die loodskomitee sal dien en dit word so goedgekeur.

SMS STELSEL

Marius le Roux verduidelik aan die vergadering die werking van die SMS stelsel.  Hy sê lede moet veral versigtig wees om nie onbenullighede op die stelsel op te sit nie en nie te antwoord op boodskappe nie, aangesien al die gebruikers dan weer die antwoord ook ontvang.  Op ‘n vraag, bevestig hy dat geen advertensies toegelaat kan word nie.

VERKIESING VAN STRAATLEIERS

Carol word aan die woord gestel om die verkiesing van die Straatverteenwoordigers te behartig.  Sy sê dat al die huidige lede aangedui het dat hulle herkiesbaar is.  Carol stel die name van elke straat se Leiers en Adjunkte afsonderlik aan die vergadering voor en die volgende persone word vir ‘n verdere termyn verkies:

leaving channel 1 only to be used for serious emergencies.  That will result in people already asleep not to be disturbed by normal radio traffic.  Max says that the emergency channel is channel 1 and that patrollers should use channel 2 at all times.

Mr Reinecke also says that he has the perception that recalcitrance exists between Garslink and Gars-Glen (road closure).  He makes an appeal to the two bodies to fully support each other.

On a question from the floor whether a person’s name is deleted from the list of radio users if he/she misses three consecutive radio calls, Max explains

that such a person’s name is not removed, but that he/she should, after returning from his/her absence, do an early or late call to, once again, be chronologically included in the call list.

SECURITY VEHICLE

Paul explains to the meeting the advantages of the availability of a security vehicle in the area.  He requests the meeting to give the Management Committee a mandate to negotiate with the different security companies to obtain the best option for Garslink.  The meeting concurs with a vast majority.  Paul says that the residents will be informed about the options after conclusion of the negotiations.

Mr. Werner Bruhns requests that a member of Gars-Glen also be part of the pilot committee and it is approved as such.

SMS SYSTEM

Marius le Roux explains the functioning of the SMS system to the meeting.  He says members should especially be cautious not to put trivialities onto the system and not to reply to any messages as such replies are again received by all the members.  On a question from the floor, he confirms that no advertisements can be allowed.

ELECTION OF STREET LEADERS

Carol is called upon to handle the election of Street Representatives.  She says that all the current incumbents have indicated that they are eligible for re-election.  Carol proposes the names of each Leader and Deputy individually to the meeting and the following persons are elected for a further term:

Straat                    Straatleier                           Roepsein

Vista                      K Snyman                                GL11

T/Gething           T Potgieter                              GL12

S/Walker             L Engelbrecht                         GL13

W/Bunton           P Roux                                      GL14

A/Adamson        F Botha                                     GL15

H/Currer              W Kemp                                   GL16

Alsation                H Ehlers                                    GL17

Jacqueline           J van Rooyen                         GL18

                                Adjunk

Straat                    Straatleier                           Roepsein

Vista                      D Simpson                               GL21

T/Gething           P Scholtemeijer                                    GL22

                                en G Londt                              GL31

S/Walker             J Lemmer                                GL23

W/Bunton           C le Roux                                 GL01

A/Adamson        A Botha                                                    GL25

H/Currer              K Munz                                     GL26

Alsation                I Brink                                       GL27

Jacqueline           Vakant                                      GL28

AFSLUITING

Paul stel die vergadering oop vir vrae.  Hy herhaal die Garslink webadres (www.garslink.wordpress.com) en die Garslink e-posadres, nl. garslinkbuurtwag@gmail.com.   Geen verdere vrae word geopper nie .  Paul bedank almal teenwoordig vir hulle teenwoordigheid en deelname en verklaar die vergadering as afgehandel.

Street                   Street Leader                    Call Sign

Vista                      K Snyman                                GL11

T/Gething           T Potgieter                              GL12

S/Walker             L Engelbrecht                         GL13

W/Bunton           P Roux                                      GL14

A/Adamson        F Botha                                     GL15

H/Currer              W Kemp                                   GL16

Alsation                H Ehlers                                    GL17

Jacqueline           J van Rooyen                         GL18

Deputy

Street                   Streetleader                      Call Sign

Vista                      D Simpson                               GL21

T/Gething           P Scholtemeijer                                    GL22

                                and G Londt                           GL31

S/Walker             J Lemmer                                GL23

W/Bunton           C le Roux                                 GL01

A/Adamson        A Botha                                                    GL25

H/Currer              K Munz                                     GL26

Alsation                I Brink                                       GL27

Jacqueline           Vacant                                      GL28

CLOSURE

Paul opens the meeting for questions from the floor.   He repeats the Garslink web address (www.garslink.wordpress.com)  and the Garslink e-mail address, viz. garslinkbuurtwag@gmail.com.  No further questions are raised.  Paul thanks all present for their presence and participation and declares the meeting as concluded.

The public is reminded that fireworks in South Africa are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No 26 of 1956) and in addition, the Metropolitan and local authority have issued a set of by-laws restricting the use and discharge of fireworks in certain areas.

Members of the community need to know that it is unlawful for any person to use or discharge any fireworks –

• Within 500 meters of any explosive magazine, explosive factory, petroleum depot or gasometer,
• In any building or any public thoroughfare,
• In any other public place or resort except with the prior written permission of the local authority.

No person shall use or discharge any explosive, firearm or similar device    which emits impulsive sound, or allow it to be used or discharged, if it may cause a noise or nuisance except with the prior consent in writing from the local authority concerned and subject to such conditions as the local authority may deem necessary.

Any person who by any act or omission commits a breach of any of the regulations of this Act, shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding R600 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or both such fine and imprisonment.  The explosives that were used to commit the offence with, may be confiscated, in which case the cost of disposal thereof shall be borne by the accused.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING FIREWORK SEASON

(Information downloaded from the SPCA Website)

The SPCA and SAPS Garsfontein is opposed to the use of any fireworks which emit a loud noise due to the trauma and injuries they cause animals.  Because animals are able to hear a wider range of sounds than humans can the sound from fireworks is at least five times louder to them.  Their natural response is to try and escape the sound with sometimes tragic consequences.

The SPCA advises residents living in areas where fireworks will be released to adopt the following guidelines to protect their animals:-

• Ensure all animals have identification – sudden loud bangs can cause animals to run away and get lost. Remember their hearing is far more acute than ours – i.e. they can hear a grasshopper eating.
• If possible stay at home with them if you suspect fireworks will be used nearby;
• If you can’t be at home keep your pets inside and preferably in a room that is safe and secure;
• Try and mask any noise by drawing the curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume;
• Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys baskets etc;
• Give your pets a nutritious and balanced meal at night – this is likely to make them more sleepy;
• Give them something to chew on – a chewy bone or catnip toys for cats;
• If you suspect your pet will react badly to fireworks then seek professional advice from your veterinarian who may prescribe a sedative to help them cope.  These days there are also a number of effective homeopathic remedies available that may be bought across the counter at vet shops.

The Animals Protection Act clearly states that “it is illegal for any person to terrify any animal” yet despite the SPCA’s efforts to educate the public on the dangers and legalities of using fireworks and lobbying government for a total ban on the use of fireworks injuries and trauma to animals occurs each year during fireworks season.

The Firearms and Explosives Ordinance Act also makes it illegal for any child under the age of 16 to use or buy fireworks and it is also illegal to use or sell fireworks without an official permit except at an officially designated site.  Yet despite this legislation fireworks are still sold in many corner cafés to anyone with money to buy and let off at home where they pose a potential danger. The act also prescribes the maximum size that may be handled by members of public.

Harming an animal with fireworks will result in prosecution and concerned members of the public are to please report any acts of alleged cruelty to the SPCA and SAPS.

I believe it might be a new syndicate and we need to warn everyone so that they do not get caught by the “friendly” fuel attendant.

A close friend of mine has recently moved from the Free State to Gauteng. On Monday she refueled her car in Hatfield and was then approached by the fuel attendant with a promotion paper. He then proceeded and asked her whether she worked in the mall, her response was then obviously no. He then asked where she worked and in which street. She thought that he was just being friendly and told the fuel attendant the location.

The next day her car was stolen at her office. It was standing in the same street she had indicated to them. Quite a coincidence.

Just to play safe and know about the surroundings, please forward a message to Garslink subscribers.

Thanks,
Chris

It happened in Rubenstein street just after 19:00 when a suspect looking vehicle turned right in front of the reservist vehicle. They stopped the suspect vehicle and a man got out with something in his hands. when he saw that he was outgunned, he dropped a weapon into the car and gave up. The police found several weapons (serial numbers removed) and ammunition in the vehicle. It seems that the vehicle had false plates and the engine number has been removed as well.

They also recovered a bag full of tools used in both house and vehicle break inns.

In the vehicle they found a GPS with addresses already programmed for the area. It seems that this was a list of homes that thay were targeting for the evening.

Two other reservists also arrested 2 red light robbers (believe it was in Garsfontein) on Friday night.

We have had two incidents in our area with the same Modus Operandi. The incidents took place in Margaret Hunt (Block 1) and in Vista Street (Block 10). There is one black male who operates in this area, he works in the early morning hours and targets houses with open windows. Once in the yard he will point the victim with a fire arm through the open window and tell them to keep quiet or he will shoot. Luckily he ran away in both cases. Please be aware of this and if possible try to close your windows during the night.  Unfortunately there is no clothing or physical description.

According to reports, members of the community saw the culprits get into a getaway vehicle and followed them at a safe distance so that they could update the police on their whereabouts. Just before they entered Mamalody, the thieves were stopped and arrested by the police.
All the stolen goods were found.

This goes to show that community involvement does work!

See http://www.tshwane.gov.za/ for more information