It is becoming more and more evident that the ANC-controlled government is fast losing control in governing the country, especially with regards to crime and health issues. Evidence led at the Zondo and Madlanga Commissions, amongst others, have merely confirmed the rot in the various spheres of government Departments, including the SAPS and the Metro Police.
Locally, residents are also aware of the ANC’s failure to root out corruption within its own ranks, despite more and more ANC politicians being implicated in wide scale corruption, from the very senior members to those at local level. Thus it is clear that Laudium/Erasmia residents cannot depend on the politicians meant to serve them, as the loyalty of these politicians, is first towards their political party and fellow ANC members, who are trying desperately to ‘paint a good picture’ of corrupt ANC members. Even many of the police officials are failing to protect communities as the cancer of corruption spreads rapidly, while crime increases. Therefore, it is clear that communities have to urgently unite and work closely with each other, to ensure that there is at least some law and order within the confines of the areas they live in.
This follows the ongoing crime in the Laudium/Erasmia area, with the local police and even the CPF refusing to give weekly stats to the community they represent.
In one of the reports of serious crime reported to the Laudium Sun recently, a sub-divided house in Erasmia that is occupied by a tenant, was burgled during broad daylight, at around 11:30am, the previous Saturday. Strangely, neither the police nor CPF patrollers or even the private security patrollers, noticed the thieves entering or leaving the house, at the corner of Hoof Street and Andries Du Plessis Street, in Erasmia. The two Black males (captured on CCTV), ransacked the house and left after stealing a number of valuables including cash, jewellery and expensive clothing.
Hanif Daud, a part-time cleaner at the house that was ransacked, told the Laudium Sun, “I work at the property on certain days to help with cleaning and basic household duties. On the day of the break-in it was my day off, so I was not at the house. I was surprised and shocked when I heard about it. I was told that two Black males broke into the house while the family was not there. They came through the front gate and then broke the front door to get inside. Once they were inside, they moved around the house searching for valuables. They stole cash, jewellery, and branded clothes belonging to my employer. As there was no one at home at the time, it was easy for the thieves to commit the crime without anyone stopping them. When my boss came back home and checked the CCTV footage, it clearly showed the two thieves entering the property and breaking into the house. I feel that the crime situation in this area is becoming very bad. I do not feel safe anymore, as there is no peace here. Crime is increasing and it is worrying for people like me who have to walk alone to come to work or work alone in houses. I feel scared to come to work now, because walking on Erasmia streets and working alone is dangerous. I believe that these criminals are very dangerous and they can harm anyone, even for a small amount of money. I think that many people in this community are living in fear and everyone is worried about their safety.”
Naser Mukadam of Hoof Street, told the Laudium Sun, “As soon as I heard that something was happening at my neighbour’s place, I immediately rushed out from my house to see what was going on. I rushed outside as fast as I could, hoping that I might be able to help or at least see what was happening, but by the time I got there, it was too late. The criminals had already left the place and there was nothing I could do at that moment. This, after I checked my phone and saw a message on the CCF Group (Concerned Community Forum), stating that a house-break-in was in progress in our area. This made me realize how quickly these incidents happen and how difficult it is to respond in time. By the time people become aware and try to react, the criminals are already gone. It is very frustrating and worrying for all of us who live in this area. I feel that people in Erasmia are traumatised because of these ongoing crimes. Every day, there is fear and uncertainty and it feels like criminals are becoming more confident, as the police are nowhere to be seen. It seems like the criminals are winning, because they continue to terrorize our community without any fear. This is not how people should live in their own neighbourhoods. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and on the streets.”
Nasreen Omar, also of Hoof Street, told the Laudium Sun, “It is high time that we have an effective police service in our area. We need more visible policing and regular patrols to help prevent these crimes from happening. Right now, it feels like we cannot depend on the police and are depending only on private patrollers for our safety. While the private security do their best, it is not enough to handle the level of crime we are facing. We pay our taxes and we expect proper protection and service in return. Safety is a basic need and it should be provided to all communities. If the police are not able to ensure our safety, then it raises serious concerns about who we can rely on for protection. I feel that something about this high crime must be done soon, because the situation cannot continue like this. People are living in fear and it is affecting daily lives. There needs to be stronger action, better response, and more support for the community from the police and the politicians, so that we can feel safe again in our own homes and neighbourhoods.”
Pritesh Bhana from the Eramia CPF, told the Laudium Sun, “The Erasmia Community Policing Forum (CPF) remains committed to working hand in-hand with the community and law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of all residents.”