INCORRECT ARTICLE IN FOURWAYS REVIEW
A bad case of misquoting and poor journalism has led to a gross misrepresentation of what the LRA and in particular, Rob Gillespie, was deemed to have said. We have written a strong letter to the Fourways Review asking them to print a retraction in their next edition. In addition, we have apologised to the SAPS at Douglasdale and the local CPF for the inconvenience caused. The contents of this letter are as follows;
One of the Fidelity reaction officers who was part of on-going unscheduled operations involving members of various security companies who took part in a vagrant and squatter removal operation around the Pineslopes Shopping Centre a few weeks ago, was arrested and locked up by members of the Douglasdale SAPS after a charge of assault GBH was laid against him specifically by one of the vagrants who was known to be a drug dealer, illegal immigrant living in the bushes on a vacant site and possibly involved in petty crime and certainly patron and business intimidation at the surrounding shopping complexes. The arrest happened two weeks after the operation (which was a success), occurred.
The questions that had to be asked were why this illegal immigrant, vagrant and drug dealer was not handed over to the immigration officials and deported, and why he was believed or his case given such instantaneous credence by the SAPS at the same station. When we were made aware of the arrest and bail refusal for the reaction officer, we went through the correct motions and procedures to secure the reaction officer’s release, which eventually occurred late on Sunday night.
Gillespie specifically told the Fourways Review reporter that we did not expect to be treated this way when actually co-operating with the SAPS, willingly, under their direction and guidance, assisting them to do what was required to ensure public safety for our residents. He further specifically said that “it makes us want to suspend any co-operation of this type with the SAPS until they can get their act together”. He also asked “how can we expect our security officers to assist the SAPS when they stand to be arrested and incarcerated for doing what they’ve been asked to do”.
He did NOT say that we were cutting ties with the Douglasdale SAPS, and we certainly have no intention of doing so. We have just recently sponsored a vehicle and equipment for the Douglasdale station, amongst other initiatives that are on-going. We work with their members every day and will continue doing so. Refer to our accolades for them on our website.
He is NOT the Chairman of the LRA. His position is that of CEO and has been for the last 6 months.
He did NOT say that we refuse to work with the police. He DID say that we will have to consider any future operational participation in such events as the risks are too great. That is the work of the SAPS and not technically that of the private security companies.
He did NOT say that we will “harass the police every 15 minutes”. He DID say that we will phone the SAPS every hour if necessary to ensure that whatever is required to be done, is actually done.
We DO expect that as a responsible editor or reporter, that the integrity and facts of the report are checked BEFORE anything is published. It is a matter of public record that we will do our best to be objective and provide as much unbiased information as possible.
Needless to say, letters of apology have been written to the Douglasdale SAPS and to the CPF for the misrepresentation created. It was certainly not our doing or intention. As can be seen from the articles that follow, we have a successful and productive co-operation agreement with the Douglasdale SAPS.
WELCOME TO 2010 IN BEAUTIFUL LONEHILL
Hey, it's 2010 already!!!
Everyone's back or on the way back from glorious hols - all nice and relaxed and well-fed. Mmmm ja, a touch overweight as well perhaps?
Within the next week this web site should be nicely updated with many new articles for you to read and comment upon, and if there's something that you'd like us to include, please shout....well, email or call, and we'll do our best to make sure that it happens.
THE LRA IS LOOKING FOR A SALES PERSON......NOW. If you're willing and capable, or know of someone who is, call our office and speak to Rob Gillespie ASAP. Yes, there is a salary and commission.
The LRA is also looking for a new Financial Board member to take the place of Roger McKee who is semigrating to the north coast of KZN. Thanks Roger for the stirling support and advice that you have provided over the last few years, and we will miss you.
2010 STARTS ON A HIGH NOTE FOR LRA AND DOUGLASDALE POLICE PRECINCT
2010, World Cup Football Year, is upon us and it is with some considerable pleasure that we can report that the 2009 Christmas period saw almost no crime in the LRA areas at all. The few incidents that there were minor in nature and arrests of perpetrators continued thereby eliminating most of the crime in and around the Lonehill environs. The LRA Fidelity team has settled into their functions very well and the technology and tactics as well as training, are proving to be effective but there is no place for complacency.
The LRA donated a VW Golf to the SAPS Douglasdale and this vehicle together with 7 other new Golfs donated by other organizations and other vehicles as well as helicopter deployment from the new SAPS helipad at SAPS Douglasdale, has resulted in a huge reduction in crime in the Douglasdale precinct with no armed robberies at any of the precincts shopping centres from mid December to the present. The opening of a new public car park which is landscaped and floodlit for the public is also a huge improvement to the SAPS facilities. Zero tolerance towards petty crime and various arrests have all added to the crime reduction in the precinct. Additional staff and vehicles will be added shortly to the Douglasdale SAPS compliment plus the news that the moratorium that has been in place for the recruitment of additional SAPS Reservists has been lifted and there is a training course commencing mid January 2010. If anyone is willing to serve in such capacity, please contact the LRA offices.
Another major development for the LRA has been the recent growth and penetration into the business and shopping centres in our area. LRA is proud to announce that it has taken over the security at the Lonehill Shopping Centre, the Pineslopes Shopping Centre and Fourways Value Mart. This has meant an increase in deployment of security manpower into our area and co ordination between residential and business security taken to a level not previously seen before. The LRA is in advanced discussions with further centres and businesses to grow this opportunity to expand the security net our residents enjoy. The growth in residential areas has not been neglected and steady numbers of new clients have joined the LRA this last year and focus hereon will be maintained.
Despite these successes, we wish to remind all our residents to remain highly vigilant, avoid complacency, and report all suspicious activity immediately to the LRA Control Room on 011 467 2868. May we take this opportunity to once again wish you a prosperous and successful and safe 2010 and welcome the thousands of foreign visitors for the World Cup.
NEW SECURITY RATES
NEW REDUCED & AFFORDABLE SECURITY RATES FOR OUR RESIDENTS
During October 2009 we embarked on a campaign to reduce security costs for our residents who subscribe to, or want to subscribe to the LRA / Fidelity security initiative - yes, the one that really, really works well, but was possibly a touch too expensive for some.
We eventually came up with a set of costs that are BRILLIANT and CHEAP....BUT, we would have to get a whole lot of new subscribers to sign up, so that we could afford to at least break even. Many people and many complexes made promises to do so, but very few have actually signed up.
We need you to ask those around you to sign up now, otherwise we will have to revert to the old costs, which we really don't want to do. The existing subscribers would have had their costs reduced now in January if the promises had been kept, but now they have to wait another month.
Please, Please, Please, sign up now so that everyone can benefit from the new rates. It's in your own interest - money back into your pocket - more flowers, toys, food, wine or beers.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW!!!
You can also further reduce your costs by using the special Lonehill insurance scheme - just click on the CIC INSURANCE logo on the right - you may be pleasantly surprised at what we have arranged.
HAMPERS FOR OUR SECURITY GUARDS
Lonehill has a tradition of giving each of the Fidelity Security guards a hamper at the end of the year to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Our residents have once again been most generous in contributing towards the Hamperfund and we could therefore purchase a hamper for each of the almost 350 guards. The hampers were distributed this week and were received with great joy and appreciation.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FIDELITY SECURITY GUARDS
KEEPING US SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.
LONEHILL CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
The annual Carols by Candlelight in the Lonehill Park saw local resident Ralf Schmitt conduct the Mzansi Youth Choir during a special production. Accompanied by a number of professional musicians they prepared a Christmas program with a uniquely South African touch.
The Lonehill Residents Association is most grateful for the donations received from Pick'nPay Lonehill, ENGEN Lonehill and Fidelity Security Services. Community events such as the Carols by Candlelight are made possible with the support from both local business and our residents.
WISHING ALL OUR RESIDENTS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!
WE NEED YOUR OPINION ON OUR POLL
At the bottom of the green menu on the left of this screen is a tag for Poll Of The Month. This is where your opinion is requested and the results are extremely valuable to us all. We make and take decisions based on polls such as this. Please click on it and click on yes or no - that's all that is needed!
- SAPS Reservist unit in Sector 3
The official Community Policing Forum for our area has been established. We fall into Sector 3 of the Douglasdale Precinct. The sector also includes Magaliessig and Little Fourways. Read more about it under our news items and in the Security section.
ART IN THE PARK
Our first Art-in-the-Park exhibition for 2009 was held on Sunday 24th May under glorious sunny skies albeit with a slightly cooler temperature. The event was well attended by many residents and visitors, and the artwork on display was of extremely high standard.
COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM FOR DOUGLASDALE SECTOR 3 GETS GOING
Saturday 18. of July 2009 - 18/07/09 09:25 After a successful and well attended public launch of the Sector 3 Policing Forum on Thursday 25th June 2009, much enthusiasm abounds with a renewed channel for community interaction with the South African Police Services. Sector 3 covers the areas of Lonehill, Lonehill East, Beverley, Magaliessig, Little Fourways, Pineslopes, Leaping Frog, Monte Casino, and Design Quarter, with the effect being that all these communities and their resources will be brought to bear in the fight against crime...
STUNNING STARGAZING EVENING
MASSIVE POLICE CRACKDOWN
Last night (Tuesday 2nd June), a massive contingent of SAPS, Metro Police and local security companies, including a large LRA Fidelity component, conducted a large number of organised raids on suspicious targets.
The exercise started at 8.30pm and finished at 10.00pm. Areas around Witkoppen Rd, old Clay Oven complex and Main Rd between Lonehill and the highway were targeted specifically.
A large number of illegal immigrants were arrested and taken into custody.
It was really great to...
