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This week our article of the week looks at Weekly crime stats reveal surge in police activity across South Africa. We also look at how to answer the interview question, How do you handle stress or pressure? and the role of the week is that of a CIT boxroom controller.
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2. Weekly crime stats reveal surge in police activity across South Africa
Published on 30 September 2024 By Ricardo Teixeira
The previous week has seen a flurry of police activity around the country, aimed at addressing crime in areas of concern, with police collaborating with various other government departments.
Operation Vala Umgodi
A South African Police Service (SAPS) Border Police roving team, alongside customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), were deployed in Limpopo under Operation Vala Umgodi. Together, the team seized illicit tobacco products worth more than R21 million and arrested three undocumented Zimbabwean nationals in Musina on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
According to a preliminary report, the team received information regarding a consignment of illicit tobacco products making its way on a truck through Musina. The truck was successfully intercepted by officers, which resulted in the seizure of the illicit tobacco products and the arrest of the three suspects.
On the same day, a Mission Area Joint Operational Centre (MAJOC) roving team comprising officers from Public Order Policing (POP) and Tactical Response Team (TRT), assisted by SAPS drone pilots, arrested another five Zimbabwean nationals at an address in Musina. The suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, with officers seizing three firearms and 74 rounds of ammunition.
Further investigation revealed one of these firearms was used in a Potchefstroom house robbery case.
At the same address, the team arrested three more Zimbabwean nationals for the possession of dagga. Over 110 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R137 000 was seized.
These successes follow within days after police destroyed a man-made bridge over the Limpopo River near the Beit Bridge Border Post.
Within the first six months of its’ activation, Operation Vala Umgodi recorded over 6000 arrests within the period of December 2023 to June 2024 countrywide.
Operation Shanela
In Gauteng, the SAPS has continued to conduct high-density operations aimed at ensuring that criminals have no space to operate. This past weekend, from Friday 27 September until Sunday 29 September 2024, over 800 suspects were arrested as officers traced wanted suspects, conducted roadblocks, raided liquor outlets and performed stop and searches, among other crime prevention activities. Suspects were arrested for crimes including rape, murder, assault, housebreaking and theft, armed robbery, fraud, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
A total of 196 suspects were arrested in Johannesburg District, where the Acting Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Major General Fred Kekana, led an integrated high-density Operation. This included a roadblock in Honeydew on Saturday evening, 28 September, where 63 illegal immigrants were apprehended. Eight were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, three for possession of drugs, one for fraud and twelve unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.
Tshwane saw 238 arrests, followed by 150 in Ekurhuleni District, 77 in West Rand District and 63 in Sedibeng District.
Some of the suspects were released after paying admission of guilt fine while others are expected to appear before various Magistrate Courts in Gauteng from Monday 31 September.
A week-long operation in the Northern Cape saw the SAPS collaborate with the Departments of Home Affairs, Health, Correctional Services, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Human Settlements and SARS. Together they executed operations under the banner of Operation Shanela with the focus on illegal firearms and contact crimes.
Disruptive actions were executed in high crime areas, which included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high visibility patrols, compliance inspections, and stop and search actions.
These actions resulted in the arrest of 285 suspects for an array of crimes. This includes the arrest of 110 wanted suspects for serious crimes such as business robbery, murder, rape and assault GBH.
A total of 5300 persons and 2950 vehicles were stopped and searched at roadblocks and vehicle check points. Two unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during compliance inspections, and hundreds of litres of alcohol were confiscated.
A significant quantity of drugs, including dagga, crystal meth and mandrax were seized during search actions.
SAPS has stated that efforts to combat crime will continue “unabated to curb priority crimes throughout the province.”
Drug mule arrest
A joint operation between SAPS and the SARS Customs at the OR Tambo International Airport has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old South African woman for drug trafficking. This is the eleventh drug mule to be arrested at OR Tambo in a period of two months.
The drug mule was profiled and intercepted as she was arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil on Sunday morning, just before 09:00. She was taken to a local hospital where an X-ray confirmed that she had foreign objects in her stomach.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has commended the vigilance of members of SARS and SAPS at the Airport.
“Our men and women in blue working closely with SARS customs and various stakeholders continue to assert the authority of the state at all our ports of entry. We appreciate the hardwork and dedication of our members and urge them to do more to squeeze the space for criminals. Drug traffickers are feeling the heat and there is nowhere to hide”, said Masemola.
Over the last month, there have been weekly interceptions from drug mules at OR Tambo, with the majority arriving from São Paulo.
Previously on Sunday, 22 September 2024, a 30-year-old Namibian drug mule was arrested after arriving from São Paulo. After being taken for medical examination, she was found to be carrying more than 60 drug bullets. She has already appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.
On Friday, 13 September 2024, A Nigerian drug mule was arrested after he was found in possession of cocaine concealed in aircraft headphones. He too had just landed from São Paulo. He has already appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.
Major Drug Bust
Police in Jane Furse, under the Sekhukhune District, arrested a 23-year-old suspect following the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value of R4 million, on Friday 27 September.
Crime Prevention Unit members in the area received a tip-off about possible possession of drugs, and promptly followed up on the information. The suspect was driving a white Hyundai i20 and was stopped by the Crime Prevention members. Upon searching him, he was found in possession of two black plastic bags containing tablets, believed to be mandrax.
Last edition we asked: Do you tailor your cv for each job application?
Responses: We had 5 responses on last week’s poll:
20% of respondents voted Yes
80% of respondents voted No
4. Interview Q & A
How to Answer the Interview Question: How do you handle stress or pressure?
One of the most frequent interview questions you might encounter is: "How do you handle stress or pressure?" Employers ask this to understand how you manage challenging situations at work and how well you stay productive when faced with difficulties. In almost any job, especially in fast-paced or high-stakes industries, the ability to remain calm under pressure is crucial.
Why Is This Question Asked?
Interviewers want to assess several key factors with this question:
Coping Mechanisms: They want to see if you have constructive ways to manage stress, such as staying organised or using problem-solving skills.
Emotional Intelligence: Your response can reflect your ability to regulate emotions and maintain composure under stress.
Performance Under Pressure: They’re interested in how pressure impacts your performance and whether you can continue to deliver results even when the going gets tough.
Self-Awareness: This question gives insight into how well you know your limits and how you adjust when faced with pressure.
Structuring Your Answer
When answering, it’s important to avoid stating that you never experience stress or pressure—that would be unrealistic. Instead, acknowledge that stress is part of any job and focus on how you deal with it positively. Here’s how you can structure your answer:
Acknowledge Stress: Begin by recognising that stress is a part of most work environments.
Provide Coping Strategies: Mention specific techniques you use to handle stress and maintain productivity.
Use Real Examples: Share an instance from your previous work experience where you managed stress effectively.
Keep It Positive: Highlight how stress has motivated you to improve, stay organised, or meet deadlines.
Model Answer
"I handle stress by staying focused on the task at hand and breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. In my experience, prioritising tasks helps me stay organised and calm even in high-pressure situations. For example, in my previous role as a project manager, we had to deliver a complex project on a tight deadline. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I created a clear timeline, delegated tasks to my team, and held regular check-ins to ensure we were on track. This allowed us to meet our deadline with minimal issues. I find that approaching stress with a solution-oriented mindset and staying organised allows me to remain effective under pressure."
Final Thoughts
This question is a great opportunity to demonstrate your ability to maintain performance in stressful situations. By acknowledging stress, showing how you handle it constructively, and providing a real-life example, you can assure the interviewer that you are equipped to handle the pressures of the job.
5. The different career options available in the security field
Understanding the Role of a CIT Boxroom Controller
In the security industry, Cash-In-Transit (CIT) Boxroom Controllers play a vital role in managing and safeguarding the movement of large sums of money. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the security, handling, and storage of cash boxes and other valuable items as they move in and out of the CIT facility.
What Does a CIT Boxroom Controller Do?
CIT Boxroom Controllers are responsible for:
Managing the Flow of Cash and Valuables: These controllers ensure that cash boxes and other valuables are securely received, stored, and dispatched to their destinations. They follow strict protocols to maintain the safety and integrity of the assets in their care.
Tracking and Documentation: The controller is responsible for logging every movement of cash and valuables, making sure there is an accurate record of who handled what, where it is going, and when it was received or dispatched.
Coordinating with Security Personnel: They work closely with CIT guards, drivers, and other security staff to ensure that all assets are handled securely at every stage.
Risk Management: CIT Boxroom Controllers are trained to assess risks and enforce security measures to prevent theft, loss, or any security breach.
Monitoring Equipment: The controllers ensure that surveillance systems, alarms, and other security devices in the boxroom are functioning correctly and are in place to detect any unauthorised activity.
Job Requirements
To become a CIT Boxroom Controller, candidates typically need:
Experience in the Security Industry: Prior experience in security roles, especially in a cash-handling environment, is often required.
Attention to Detail: Boxroom Controllers must be meticulous when handling and tracking cash boxes, as even the smallest oversight can lead to significant issues.
Physical and Mental Fitness: The job can be both physically and mentally demanding. Candidates need to be alert at all times and capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Trustworthiness: As they are dealing with large sums of money and valuable items, CIT Boxroom Controllers must be trustworthy and able to pass rigorous background checks.
Security Certification: Relevant certifications from a recognised security training institution or authority is required.
Job Prospects and Career Growth
The role of a CIT Boxroom Controller is specialised and integral to the operations of any cash-in-transit company. While the position itself may not offer a direct path to higher management, there are opportunities for growth within the broader CIT and security fields:
Advancement to Supervisory Roles: With experience, Boxroom Controllers can move into supervisory positions, overseeing larger teams and ensuring overall operational efficiency in CIT services.
Specialised Security Roles: Some controllers may branch into other areas of security, such as risk management, cash management, or CIT operations.
Transferable Skills: The skills gained in this role, such as attention to detail, risk assessment, and team coordination, are transferable to various positions within the security industry.
Conclusion
The role of a CIT Boxroom Controller is both challenging and rewarding, offering individuals a chance to take on critical responsibilities in protecting valuable assets. For those with a keen interest in security, this position provides a solid foundation for building a career in the fast-growing and essential cash-in-transit industry. With the right training, experience, and dedication, CIT Boxroom Controllers can explore numerous opportunities within the broader security sector.
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