The SAPS I Know - [website] Published: 3rd of Feb 2012 by: Smart Alec
The Police shouldn't be doing their jobs! Huh? What is that about?
Well it was the gist of a comment made on radio regarding the horrific accident in Cape Town on Monday that claimed a number of lives.
It arose during a general discussion in which the radio announcer invited people to call in and give him an update on the traffic jam on the N1, an arterial route from the northern suburbs into town. It's Monday! Everyone's late! How inconsiderate could the cops be.........? Fancy closing the road just so THEY COULD DO THEIR JOB AND INVESTIGATE THE ACCIDENT SCENE THOROUGHLY?
The gentleman who called in and complained was late for a board meeting and wondered aloud if the cops couldn't just open the road and investigate later when there was less traffic!
It was one of the few times I have heard that particular announcer at a loss for words. When he eventually came round he correctly challenged the callousness which would prompt such a view point in the first place.
How quickly do we jump in and loudly bewail the bad job our cops do when investigating our own particular robbery, accident, unrest incident? There are seldom enough minutes in the day to listen to the litany of woes everyone seems to pour out regarding their experience of poor service at the hands of the cops.
And yes... it does happen. Our police are overworked and underpaid. A fact, not an excuse. But, I have recently experienced two break-ins in quick succession which left me reeling and the only highlight was the prompt, empathetic and caring service I received from the cops who attended the scene. They even offered to make me a cup of tea whilst ensuring I knew about the victim support programme they run. (Unfortunately the cup of tea was not logistically possible because our home invaders had made off with our kettle!)
So let's reiterate the positive experiences we have personally had or heard about regarding our police. After all positivity is catching, so pass it along!
