KSS Incidents 1 - 15 April 2023

Dear KSS Clients

We would like to stress the importance of crime scene management, especially in light of preserving evidence. Many respondents to an incident or crime scene, all with good intentions, can adversely contaminate the scene and destroy crucial evidence (too many footprints and fingerprints, as well as moving items around etc...). If you have an incident or crime, PLEASE assist YOUR security service provider as well as SAPS and LIMIT the number of people who have access to the scene or your property. The following is an interesting read, to help understand the significance and reasoning behind crime scene management.

Crime scene management in South Africa (and globally) is a meticulously structured process essential for ensuring the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court, thereby facilitating successful investigation and prosecution of crimes. It is a fundamental component of investigations as evidence originating from the crime scene forms a crucial part of the court's deliberations, alongside witness testimony, photographs, physical exhibits, and their analyses.

The key aspects of crime scene management in South Africa are as follows:
1. Preservation of the Scene: Law enforcement personnel undergo training to secure crime scenes, preventing contamination or tampering of evidence. This involves establishing perimeters and restricting access to authorized personnel only. Processes such as locking down the scene, setting up perimeters, and ensuring overall security are integral to maintaining the scene's integrity. No unauthorised persons or members of the public should be allowed to contaminate the scene.
2. Documentation: Detailed documentation of the crime scene is paramount, encompassing written notes, sketches, photographs, or videos. Effective notetaking is essential for capturing relevant details and observations accurately.
3. Evidence Collection: Thorough and careful collection of physical evidence, including biological and trace evidence, is critical. Chain of custody procedures must be meticulously followed to maintain evidence integrity. Various factors, such as interference by responders or suspects, must be considered to prevent contamination.
4. Forensic Analysis: Collected evidence undergoes analysis by forensic experts using specialized techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, footprints and ballistics testing to extract pertinent information for the investigation.
5. Cooperation with Other Agencies: Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, private security companies, forensic experts, and relevant entities is imperative for effective crime scene management. This may involve coordination with medical examiners, forensic laboratories, and legal authorities to ensure comprehensive investigation processes.
6. Adherence to Legal Standards: Compliance with legal standards and regulations is essential to ensure the admissibility of evidence in court. This includes respecting suspects' rights and following procedural guidelines outlined in South African law.
7. Training and Education: Continuous education and training are provided to law enforcement personnel (SAPS and private security) to equip them with specialized crime scene management techniques and procedures. Staying updated on best practices and advancements in forensic science is crucial for investigators.

In summary, effective crime scene management in South Africa demands a methodical approach, meticulous attention to detail, and strict adherence to legal standards to accurately gather and preserve evidence, ultimately contributing to the successful resolution of criminal cases. (Adapted from: https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca)

Hot items
Solar panels
Electronic items
Opportunistic theft of easily accessible items
Items from retail stores

Incident Summary (crime and other)

Cedara 1
Hilton 1
Howick 3
Howick West 2
Merrivale 3
Pietermaritzburg 1

KSS Incidents 1 – 15 April 2024
1 April 2024 11:39 Harvard Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from a KSS Security Guard requesting assistance. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a suspect had been apprehended by the KSS Officers for stealing. SAPS were advised. KSS handed the suspect over to SAPS. A case was opened.

2 April 2024 14:01 Main Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client requesting assistance as there were suspects on site. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a storage unit has been broken into. Electrical items were stolen. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.

3 April 2024 21:30 Bisley (Pietermaritzburg) The KSS Control Room received a call from the client requesting assistance as the CCTV camera had gone offline. Magma was dispatched. The Magma Officers reported that there had been a positive break-in. Access was gained by cutting the fence and then breaking into the container. Equipment and solar panels were stolen. SAPS were formally advised.

4 April 2024 09:32 Symmonds Lane (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client requesting assistance as there was a suspect on site. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the suspect had been apprehended for trying to steal a radio through an open window. As per the client no need for SAPS.

4 April 2024 19:48 Saligna Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client requesting assistance as there was a suspect on site. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the suspects had fled. Nothing was stolen. The client was very pleased with the KSS response time. KSS conducted additional patrols in the area.

7 April 2024 22:11 Groenekloof Road (Hilton) The KSS Control Room received an alert about a vehicle that had driven into a tree. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the driver was intoxicated and lost control of the vehicle. SAPS arrived and took over the incident.

7 April 2024 22:43 Neptune Road (Howick West) The KSS Control Room received a panic activation. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that there was a suspect on site. The suspect was apprehended. Nothing was stolen. As per the client no need for SAPS.

9 April 2024 14:49 Cedara Road (Cedara) The KSS Control Room received a call from the client requesting assistance. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that an on-site Security Guard had apprehended the suspect. A bag of mielies was recovered. As per the client no need for SAPS.

10 April 2024 21:00 Vear Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client requesting assistance. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the main gate had been broken and the front door burglar gate tampered with. Nothing was stolen. KSS conducted additional patrols in the area.

10 April 2024 18:53 Riverview Road (Howick West) The KSS Control Room received a panic activation. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the client had apprehended a suspect. The suspect paid for the stolen items. As per the client no need for SAPS.

15 April 2024 19:00 Zeederberg Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room was advised about a break-in. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that access was gained by forcing open the bathroom window. Items were stolen. As per the client no need for SAPS.

Stay safe. Report crimes to SAPS. Set your alarms.

Remember – You are safer with us!

Kind regards
Gary and the dedicated KSS Team