Wednesday, March 25, 2009

I thought it could not get worse! I have toyed with the idea of blogging about our experience last night - I am so damn tired that I don't even know if I am going to finish it, or tell it in all it's detail. I was born and bred a third generation South African and I always try and see the positive side of things. We love the bush and the weather, the lifestyle is great and in a lot of ways we are privileged to live the life we do, but in others - I am disappointed and I'll let YOU be the judge!

We went out for dinner with friends last night. We had no sooner had our dinner, when John received a call from their security company to say that their house alarm had gone off! He left immediately and Philip followed not far behind. Needless to say, on arrival at their house, their was no sign of the security company. John has a fire-arm which he took out (it was in his car and NOT loaded) He proceeded to walk around his property to make sure that no-one was there. In the mean time, the security reps arrived, wearing bullet proof vests and carrying HUGE guns! John has two cocker spaniels and a terrier. The armed response rep wanted to use pepper spray on the dogs, as he was afraid to go onto the property. John was very angry as the dogs were not being a hindrence at all! He pushed the rep away and took the pepper spray from him saying it was not necessary to hurt the dogs as they were not being a problem Ha! That is when all hell broke loose.

To cut a long story short, John was arrested for assault and brandishing a fire arm around! We spent all night at the Honeydew Police Station. Eventually I went home at about 01h30. Philip went to the Randburg Police Station with Cindy, as they have no cells at Honeydew and they were NOT going post bail or release him! Philip got home after 3! Poor John is still in jail! They cannot get hold of the only detective on duty to arrange the court time and only the magistrate can post bail! It's an absolute joke! The best part is, they made NO effort to find the criminals. Here is a man, protecting his home, and he is treated like a common criminal. The police on duty were RUDE, ARROGANT and OBNOXIOUS to say the least! I have lost ALL faith in our policing system!

In a country like South Africa, we have a wonderful constituion! Most people have rights and most are protected - most that is, except the law-abiding, tax-paying citizens! It turns my stomach and makes me ask the question ... what the HELL are we still doing here?

10 comments:

Judith said...

Oh Janet my heart goes out to you and the tale is horrendous and I feel so helpless whilst reading because there is nothing I can do so I only hope it sorts itself out SOON. keep us (your readers) informed Take care, Judith

Hayley said...

Oh my word, I cannot believe that...well actually I can.

I am the same Janet, try and only see the positive, but a lot of the times it just gets too much.

I hope it works out okay!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised you didn't mention that it was ADT in your post!! Use the power of your blog ;)
As I said earlier, absolutely shocking! Cannot believe they treated a client like that, and the police's attitude just STINKS!

Janet said...

Thanks Jeanette! I actually meant to mention that, I really forgot trying to get my wording right! I am so jolly shattered today! I cannot wait to go home, have a hot bubble bath and climb straight into bed!!

Anonymous said...

Oh no, Janet! What can I say? That is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! Have read it several times to get the gist of the story right. Probably the right thing to do was to wait near the gate for ADT (one problem here lies in the time delay for response to arrive!) but at the time he did what anybody would do - protect his property and dogs. I hope by now things have been sorted out and your friend is back home safe and sound. (and you can go home and soak in that bath!) Sometimes we read about the good and sometimes we read about the bad - this is the latter - so very very sorry to hear it.

Elaine and I came home one evening when hubby was away on business and our security passive light was flashing. I stopped the car on the road with engine running and phoned our local patrol AND ADT. Their response - BOTH of them - were quick and impressive. Our property was checked by them before we were allowed through the gate but they told me to wait on the road with my engine running in case. All was well - it happened to be a branch\frond of a palm tree that set it off in the wind!! Said branch was reluctantly cut in the morning!!

Riley Kai said...

Wow! Unbelievable! In the U.S. you have the right to protect your property with force. Although, I'm sure people have found a way around it here too! I'm searching for a positive for you too...but I'll have to get back to you on that one! Praying for you and your friends!!!

Corey~living and loving said...

oh my word. how awful. I really dislike how folks trying to protect their life, their property are often the losers in the deal. ugh!

Pam said...

Janet,
I am so sorry that happened. It just went from bad to worse. That is such a crazy ending to what amounts to a normal security call. They are there to protect the homeowner's property, not harrass the homeowners themselves. And to have suggested that the dogs be pepper sprayed is insane! I don't blame your friend one bit for arguing his point.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I hope they are cancelling their contract with the security company with immediate effect and go and see senior management with lawyer at hand. I would.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

I can see why you are so upset. I am so sorry to hear of this happening, I can only hope for a quick resolution.

Your friend is in my thoughts

xox