Reflections from Tembisa Police Station
After three thugs smashed down our front door, grabbed Moira and methodically ransacked our home. It took over 10 phone calls and two hours to get the police to respond to the robbery, sorry "home invasion". (The new PC term)
Most importantly Moira was unharmed and we became members of that elite lucky group that 'got off lightly'. Our highly paid armed response company took over 15 minutes to respond to the panic alarm.
For two hours we tracked Moira's phone (and presumably the rest of our possessions) making their way to Tembisa as each additional phone call to the police failed to initiate any action. Amazingly, during this time, two other security response companies were able to identify that a crime had been committed and deploy sales personal to ask us if we would like to beef up our security.
When the police finally arrived they sprang into action - taking a statement.
Despite being able to show them where the potential suspects were at that moment in time it took an inordinate amount of time before they were prepared to follow the brightly beeping dot on my iPad.
What ensued was a two hour mad dash to the east past pawn shops and shebeens with me tracking the phone and my crack team of detectives continually stopping to ask directions. Don't think Miami Vice here - think Keystone Cops.
Eventually the stolen phone stays in one spot long enough for us to close in......
So here I am sitting outside Tembisa Police Station, the suspect arrested and currently being charged with possession of stolen property. It's 4pm Tuesday 8th August and I am watching the chaotic scenes from parliament as a lying, cheating, stealing, corrupt President laughs his way through an 8th. no confidence vote. The indifference starts at the top and permeates our society. It's a cancer and there is no cure. There is no difference between the thugs that rule and the thugs that steal.
This is not a tirade on violence or racism, it's about incompetence. Try dealing with your Municipality, SARS, Metro Police, Licensing or any other Government service organisation that is liberally funded by our tax Rands. Professionalism is rare. Take a realistic look at the rapidly deteriorating state of our public schooling, healthcare and infrastructure such as roads and water supply.
Then remember that there is a light at the end of tunnel - Julius Malema and the bastions of brilliance at the EFF may win the election in 2019.
But don't worry Jozi Council say we live in a "A World Class African City" and a country of "Endless Opportunities" according to SA Tourism. Anyone who believes this needs to remove their rose tinted glasses.
