UNDER resourced police and the increase in crime in the Western Cape has opened the door for private security companies to assist officers out on raids.
One such company helping to provide an extra layer of security for the SAPS, law enforcement agencies, community policing forums, and neighbourhood watches is the Empire tactical response and anti-hijacking unit.
On Friday, Weekend Argus joined the security company for a few hours as they patrolled some of Cape Town’s toughest neighbourhoods. The security team receive a briefing at their Landsdowne Road offices before heading out for the day. They reminded to call their loved ones before heading out on a operation.
Working up to 16-hour shifts a day means the security officers, some of whom are former SAPS members and reservists, are on alert ready to act as back-up for police operations.
Tactical member Brent Seaman switches on his radio shortly after the briefing. It crackles, a few seconds later a voice calls for back-up in Mitchells Plain.
Seaman quickly responds and he is off to assist the flying squad.
“This is why the boss always tells us to never leave the house angry, because you don’t know what you will be up against.
“Sometimes you (go) to scenes where the community is not thankful for the sacrifices, and sides with the criminals,” he said.
Seaman and the team receive a location to meet with the police and other law enforcement agencies. Minutes later they arrive at the scene, jump out of their vehicles and secure the area.
The house is said to belong to a known drug merchant.
One of the tactical response members notices someone peeping from the door before quickly slamming it shut.
“Brent, someone just looked out and ran back inside his premises. It looked very suspect,” says one of the members.
Soon after this, officers apprehend the suspect, who is wanted in connection with a shooting that took place two days ago.
Irate neighbours are heard scolding the police to leave the man alone.
“Why do you want to take him again? He has just came from jail. Do your work right. You guys are worth nothing!” shouts one of the neighbours.
Seaman said this was the attitude they have to face at times. Sometimes residents even throw stones while the team try to protect the police.
“We do not go inside. We secure the perimeter to make sure the cops are safe. We’re the lookout, but it also becomes dangerous for us.”
Another member, Greg Hodson, drove a back-up vehicle to Mitchells Plain.
Hodson has been with the team for just under a year and emphasises the importance of wearing protective gear to stay safe.
“I wear my bulletproof vest wherever I go because you never know where you will find yourself.
“One day you catching criminals linked to drugs and guns, the next you are hunting down an armed kidnapper, and sometimes you are stopping taxi drivers transporting children.
“But it is all worth it. When you have a boss who always has your best interests at heart, and you also have a passion for this (job), it is something you do without thinking twice.”
The team’s operations manager, Donovan Pope, a former member of an SAPS special unit, says working in an industry where the mandate is to serve and protect does not change whether the unit you are working for is in the private or the public sector.
“Even though we are not a specialised unit, because we help all extended role-players, we are still in this for the same reason, and that’s to make sure criminals no longer walk the streets.”
When asked what a normal day was like, Pope says: “There is no such thing as a normal day when you are in this business. Every day is different, but what I can say is that discipline is key here, and it will get you through the day.
“I always say, life is not a box of chocolates – it’s more like a lucky packet. You will never know what you are going to get inside, but you are still excited to see.”
Empire was started two years ago as a tracking and recovery entity, but quickly expanded.
The company's owner, who for safety reasons did not want to be identified, said that, even though they were not part of the SAPS or law enforcement, their work was important.
“The main reason I started Empire was because I felt the need to clean up the streets in the most proper and dignified way.
“I always thought of it as boys from the ’hood uplifting the ’hood, because I grew up in a community where I saw so many different elements causing the destruction of our youth.”
The 39-year-old said that in his experience there was a lack of proper communication between law enforcement and the communities they served.
“That is our main objective – to be a bridge between the community and those meant to protect and serve. This is also why we offer assistance wherever and whenever it's needed, and not only (in relation to) hijacking.”
The man called on other security companies to lend a hand to police agencies to help them in the fight against crime.
“Have your members be available to assist the SAPS, the flying squad, and law enforcement when they are needed. This is a fight all of us need to get involved in. I can tell you that they really do appreciate the help they get, and the community also sees that it’s something good to be working with these people,” said the man.
Weekend Argus.