It is becoming more evident that Exco members of the Laudium CPF, headed by Pakistani Association of South Africa chairperson, Zahid ul-Zaman (an active ANC member), seem to be more interested in publicity stunts and promoting ANC Ward Councillor, Naeem Patel in his nomination to stand again for election as Councillor for the ANC, instead of focusing on the ongoing crime trends in the area.
Patel and the CPF are accused by some residents of trying to ‘buy’ the votes of the poor people living in the nearby squatter camps and in Laudium, for the elections in November. The residents claim that Patel and members of the CPF Exco are shamelessly positioning themselves in the forefront when giving out food, blankets, etc, funded mainly by residents not involved in politics, thus giving the false impression that they have wholly funded the donations. One of the ongoing crime trends in the area, remains the theft of cars, mainly the Toyota Yaris model, yet the CPF has, to date, not informed the community on what measures are being taken to curb this ongoing crime trend.
While some of these vehicles were later recovered (with the CPF falsely taking credit for the recoveries), many others have still not been found by the police.
Just this past week, the Laudium Sun received reports of at least two Toyota Yaris vehicles being stolen in Laudium.
In the first report, a white Toyota Yaris (Reg: WNK 042 GP) was stolen from Mink Street in the early part of the evening at around 6pm, last Wednesday (June 10).
In another incident a grey Toyota Yaris (Reg: CAM15063) was stolen in broad daylight. The theft of the vehicle, was discovered last Thursday afternoon (June 11), at around 12:30pm, after the car was parked earlier outside Jacaranda School on Lilac Street, Laudium, when the owner of the Yaris returned from a meeting at the school.
In both cases the vehicles were found soon thereafter in Lotus Gardens.
Johan Snyman, a security guard from Raslouw Security Services, told the Laudium Sun, “I was among the first responders at the scene after receiving information about the theft of a grey Toyota Yaris with registration number ‘CAM15063,’ which was taken from in front of the Jacaranda School parking area. When I arrived, I immediately began assessing the situation and gathering details from witnesses and those present at the location. From what I was informed, the vehicle belonged to a white female who had visited the school. She had parked her car outside the premises before going in to attend a meeting at the school. Upon returning from the meeting she discovered that her vehicle was no longer where she had left it. This sudden realisation that her car had been stolen caused immediate concern and the incident was quickly reported. The SAPS was also notified promptly so that an official case could be opened and investigative procedures could begin. Through co-ordinated efforts between security personnel and law enforcement, we were able to act swiftly on the available information. Fortunately, later that same afternoon at approximately 1:30pm, we received a report that the stolen vehicle had been recovered in the Lotus Gardens area. The vehicle was found intact, which was a positive outcome under the circumstances. It has become increasingly evident that Toyota Yaris models are being targeted frequently by criminals, as they are often seen as easier to strip for parts or resell in the illegal market. This pattern is concerning for both residents and security services operating in the area. Our team remains committed to maintaining safety and protecting the community. We continue to patrol and monitor the area to deter criminal activity and respond quickly when incidents occur. The safety of residents and their property remains our top priority.”
Mohammed Hassan Ebrahim of Lilac Street, told the Laudium Sun, “Crime in the Laudium area is increasing a lot and there seems to be no solution to the problem. Our ANC politician, Naeem Patel, is failing us big time. He is more of a talker than a doer as Councillor, because he does not seem to be doing much for the community other than promoting himself. So many crimes are happening, but there is no law enforcement which we as residents can depend on. Why has Naeem not called on the ANC Minister of Police to intervene? We are afraid to live in Laudium, as it has gone to gangsters and criminals. It is no longer a safe place to live in. Recently I went to Naeem for help, as I’m old and sick and I have a breathing problem. I just wanted to find out from him if he knew who could help me with an oxygen machine, but Naeem didn’t even look at me and was very rude.. He straight away said he can’t help me. I know how arrogant Naeem Patel is. Unfortunately people fall for the sweet talks he makes in public. To me he is not the person he pretends to be in public, as I found that privately he does not respect the poor and those who have serious concerns. l do not believe that Naeem deserves to be Cllr of Laudium.”
Anita Govender, also of of Lilac Street, told the Laudium Sun, “I have noticed that crime in our area appears to be increasing rather than coming down and this is becoming a serious concern for many people living here. Residents are feeling uneasy and unsafe due to the ongoing incidents of crime that continue to affect daily lives in the community. There is a definite need for more to be done by the politicians and the police, to strengthen safety measures and improve visible law-enforcement in Laudium.”