Latest news with #ArisRuyter
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Report every crime
The Garsfontein CPF is urging residents to take a proactive stance against crime by reporting every incident, no matter how small, directly to the police. CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said there is a rise in petty but persistent theft, with suspects targeting outdoor lights, taps, cables, and tools. 'While these crimes may seem small, failing to report them could allow offenders to escalate their activities. 'If it's not reported to SAPS, it's as if it never happened, there's no case, no consequence, and repeat offenders simply move on to bigger crimes,' explained Ruyter. He stressed that crime reports create formal dockets that enable investigations and possible arrests. 'Without this paper trail, crimes remain unrecorded and offenders are free to reoffend.' Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said that no office has the right to refuse to open a case for victims or residents. Van Dyk said that should a victim be turned away when trying to open a case, they should look out for a 'Rate Our Service' poster on display at the Community Service Centre (CSC) at the police station. 'If it is not available, you have the right to speak directly to the station commander about your complaint. The commander's official cellphone number should be displayed in the CSC,' Van Dyk explained. He said if you are still not satisfied, you can escalate the matter by contacting the District Office or the Provincial Office to lodge an official complaint. While first-time or minor offences may result in lighter sentences, the severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the case specifics, the magistrate's decision, and the offender's age. Residents are also encouraged to join their local CPF sector or WhatsApp group to share information and collaborate on safety initiatives. To do this, visit and select your area of residence. Community action steps: – Report all crimes and suspicious activity directly to SAPS. – Use the MySAPS App to submit reports quickly and easily. – Encourage neighbours to do the same, as silence only empowers criminals. The mechanics of reporting a case – This service is provided to any victim of crime. Reporting a crime is free of charge, and all the necessary documentation will be completed by a police official. – A case docket will be opened and the crime will be investigated, hopefully leading to the arrest of suspects, and presentation of the case to the courts for prosecution. – When you have been a victim of a crime, you can contact the police by dialling 10111 if it is an emergency, or go to your nearest police station to report the crime. If you report by telephone or on the MySAPS App – If police officials attend the crime scene, they will obtain a statement from you and any available witnesses. – The official will register the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) at the police station. – The complainant will receive a CAS number via SMS or telephone. – This number needs to be kept as a reference for future enquiries regarding the criminal case. If you report the crime in person – If you visit the local police station to report a crime, you will be attended to in the Community Service Centre by a police official. – The police official will first interview you and then take a statement from you. – The reported crime will be registered in the CAS. – You will be given a CAS number that must be used for all enquiries regarding the reported criminal case. Following up after reporting a crime – The completed case docket is allocated to a police detective who will carry out the investigation. – All enquiries can be directed to the detective. – The detective in charge of the particular case will complete the investigation and present the docket to the relevant court for prosecution. – The detective will keep you informed of any progress, including when to attend the court hearings. 'No report means no case, and no case means no accountability. Our strength lies in unity. Together, we can reclaim our neighbourhoods and make it clear that crime, no matter how small, will not be tolerated,' said Ruyter. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Dogs poisoned in Faerie Glen, CPF urges pet safety protocols
The Garsfontein CPF is calling on residents in the east of Pretoria to keep their pets safe. The policing forum also urged pet owners to enrol their furry friends in obedience training to help prevent them from accepting food from strangers. The call comes after a dog was recently killed, while another is in critical condition. The two Yorkies had allegedly been poisoned in an incident on Panbult Street in Faerie Glen on Monday night. Garsfontein CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said two small dogs were poisoned. 'One of the dogs unfortunately died, the other is being treated at the vet,' Ruyter said. He said after the CPF spoke to the owner, at this stage, no definitive modus operandi or time of when the poison/bait was placed in the front garden can be determined. Ruyter said the thieves normally poison dogs at yards or properties that have motorbikes to gain entry and steal. 'They usually put the poison on steak or other bits of meat they know the dogs will eat.' He said residents need to familiarise themselves with life-saving measures they can take to protect their pets if poisoned. What to do if you suspect your dog has been poisoned: – Act immediately, time is critical. – Do not wait for symptoms to worsen (vomiting, excessive drooling, trembling, diarrhoea, weakness or seizures). – Rush your dog to the nearest vet or emergency animal clinic as fast as possible. – If safe to do so, take a sample or photo of any suspicious food or bait found on your property, but do not handle it with your bare hands. – Inform your vet of what was possibly ingested and provide context. – Report the incident to your local CPF, SAPS, and security provider, ASAP. Safety advice for residents: – Inspect your property daily, especially gardens, entrances, and gates, for anything unusual. – Install or check street-facing security cameras and motion lights, which deter criminals. – Share footage if you notice suspicious behaviour, people loitering, bending near gates, throwing objects over fences, etc. – Don't leave food or treats outside, it can mask or attract poison bait. – Talk to your neighbours, especially if you have had disagreements. Many past cases in Pretoria east have been traced back to neighbours' disputes or retaliatory actions, not necessarily recurring threats. -While most perpetrators do not return, do not let your guard down. Maintain vigilance and report anything suspicious immediately. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
