Despite more and more thugs roaming the streets of Laudium armed with guns and other weapons, the Laudium Police seemingly remain un-bothered.
For a long time the community has raised their concerns about armed thugs attacking residents on the streets, calling on the local police to increase visible policing in the area and to be more proactive in curbing crime, by at least holding more crime combatting operations such as road blocks and more importantly random ‘stop and search’ operations.
But, many of the police do not seem to be interested in fighting crime and are hardly even seen on the streets, unless collecting bribes from drug dealers or businesses. This follows yet another complaint received by the Laudium Sun of an armed gang attacking a small business on Bengal Street, in Laudium Ext 3 this past Saturday evening at around 6pm. Chisomo Gondwe, the shop manager of Zainabs Tuck Shop, shared her concerns with the Laudium Sun. “This is a dangerous area where I operate my business. Two thugs tried to break into the shop on Saturday evening. They were so daring that they started breaking the door without being bothered that someone from the busy street would see them. I had just closed for the day and I was still inside when I heard some noise coming from the front door. So I went in front and saw these two black guys trying to force the door open. I immediately shouted and that is when they saw me and slowly walked away. But, before going away they still had the audacity to pickpocket someone outside, stealing a cellphone and money. These thugs are dangerous and not only do they steal, but they are armed with guns and can so easily shoot someone just for money. This is so frightening. The crime rate on Bengal Street is really high, and we definitely need more security and police patrols in our area,” Chisomo said. She also expressed the impact crime is having on her family. “I have a family, I have children and this shop is the only source of income I have. If I lose customers due to this crime, how will I support my family my children? I just hope that the police do some pro-active policing to stop the ever – growing crime in the area, or else we are doomed in this place. We need to unite as a community to stop this bad wave of crime, so that our families and businesses are safe. It is time for action and not talks anymore.”
Musharaf Hussain, a concerned resident of Bengal Street, shared his frustrations with the Laudium Sun, “This is really bad. We can’t even go near the tuck shops anymore without fearing that we’ll get robbed. Bengal Street is becoming increasingly dangerous, with criminals constantly roaming around. It’s not safe for residents, especially at night. There’s a real need for security guards in our area and also effective police patrols, both during the day and at night. We can’t live in fear every day. We have families and children. How can we live in a place where we fear for our lives all the time?” Hussain’s concerns reflect a growing sense of unease among Bengal Street residents, who are calling for increased security measures to protect the community. As crime continues to rise in the area, the need for stronger law enforcement presence and safety initiatives has become increasingly urgent. Residents like Hussain believe it is essential to address these security issues to ensure families can live without being in constant fear.
Keanal Snyders, yet another concerned resident of Bengal Street, shared his thoughts with the Laudium Sun, “I often hear about the crime on Bengal Street and I can tell you Bengal Street is not safe anymore. There are too many criminals operating in this area, and we definitely need better protection. It’s becoming more dangerous every day, and something needs to be done to ensure the safety of everyone living around here. The police are not helping to bring crime down in our area, so as a community we need to stand together and take a strong effective stand against crime.”