Public turns to super sleuths
North Glen News, 15 July 2011
SUPER sleuths and security guards are fast becoming the crime fighters of Durban North.
As more and more people lose confidence in the police, victims of crime are increasingly turning to private investigators for help.
Durban North’s Reg Horne, director of Justicia Investigations said people hire PIs for the personal attention their cases receive.
“We can put in the time and effort that the police are not able to. We have the resources to do the groundwork and work hand in hand with the police to achieve a collective outcome. We never take over a case without consultation with the police,” he said.
Justicia was established in 1993 in response to a growing demand from the private sector.
When dealing with criminal matters, the investigators are experienced in the Criminal Procedures Act and can work with the SAPS or independently in gathering admissible evidence, compiling a docket and leading evidence in court.
Horne recalls a case in Greenwood Park where a client hired investigators to assist with a case of theft.
Once investigations were completed, the police were called in to help with suspect identity parades and the arrest.
“We have no control over the case once it has been handed over to the police. We do however monitor the case and keep in touch with the SAPS investigating officer,” said Horne.
According to PIs, the business attracted many former policemen, disillusioned by the reshuffle and change in the police service more than six years ago.
Numerous cops hung up their blues and went into security work.
A former policeman, who is now an investigator dealing with crimes against children.
“Based on the number of cases police have to deal with, especially those where children are the victims, there can be problems. Police have to deal with huge case loads, lack of resources and some officers don’t have the knowledge and experience to solve certain crimes,” he said.
He had worked with police in Durban North on several cases.
Former Durban North cops, and community projects manager, agreed people had lost faith in the police and were hiring security companies for peace of mind.
“People who suspect their staff of criminal behaviour and feel threatened, hire us. I believe security companies are replacing the police as we respond quickly to call-outs, after which we call the police, paramedics and even trauma counsellors,” said .
has about 40 street patrols in the area where residents have paid for a guard to ‘look after’ their road.
“Security companies get help from the police. The private investigator usually does the legwork for the police detective and then hands the case over to the police,” said .
PI and chairman of the Durban North Community Policing Forum, stressed the police couldn’t be replaced by private detectives but a partnership between the ‘crime fighters’ was inevitable.
“There are only a few cases where people are not happy with the police’s work. It is usually those with complicated, serious cases, including corporate crimes, who will use private investigators.
“It is vitally important that PIs, security companies and the police work together,” he said.
added the major problem facing police was following up on cases.
“The Durban North field unit works hard at arresting suspects and the detectives are dedicated to their work.
It is the follow-up with complainants that is lacking,” he said.
