While Laudium residents continue to live in fear as they often face crime, the Laudium CPF, headed by seemingly incompetent ANC supporter and chairman of the South African Pakistan Association, Zahid ul
Zama, is yet to engage with the community as to how their concerns are being addressed.
The CPF is meant to represent the community and address the issues of the community with the police. But this Zahid ul-Zama character, who is part of ANC Cllr Naeem Patel’s cabal is yet to meet the community and say ‘a word’ concerning the ongoing crime. So, while Patel and his ANC friends cover up for each other, the community continues to bear the brunt of the ongoing crime in the area.
This follows the ongoing hijacking of Uber motorbike riders in the same area of Laudium Ext 3, with the CPF yet to effectively address the matter. The latest hijacking reported to the Laudium Sun, took place last Wednesday afternoon (August 26) at around 3.45pm. Once more, with similar modus operandi, three Black males attacked an Uber Eats motorbike delivery rider on Ahimsa Crescent, Laudium Extension 3.The thugs assaulted the rider and stole the cash he had on him, a cellphone and Speed point machine, after which they made their getaway with the rider’s Big Boy motorbike. Despite the Laudium CPF collecting money from the community for its patrollers, once again the patrollers were nowhere to be seen.
Frans Noko of Ahimsa Crescent told the Laudium Sun, “I was a witness to the crime that happened on our street. I saw three Black thugs who, according to many residents, are the same ones targeting other motorbike riders. This time I saw them assaulting the Uber Eats delivery rider, then stealing his belongings at the scene. I found out that the three thugs pretended to be customers and gave one of the neighbour’s address and upon the delivery rider coming to the address, the thugs robbed him. I was standing right in front of the gate of my house when the attack took place. It all happened so quickly that I was unable to react or inform the police immediately. By the time I wanted to assist the Uber Eats driver, the thugs had already left the area with his motorcycle, wallet, cellphone and Speedpoint machine. It was very sad to see what happened because the delivery rider was simply trying to earn an honest living and provide a service to people in our community. It is concerning that criminals are becoming so bold and are targeting people who are working. Nobody should have to feel unsafe while doing their job or being in our neighbourhood. As far as I heard, these three thugs are the same ones who have been causing problems on our street and residents believe they may be from the Itireleng area. I cannot understand why the police and the CPF can’t do something to catch these thugs. I appeal to the police to investigate this robbery and the other similar robberies properly. We cannot continue dealing with this level of crime in our community. It has gone too far and residents need to feel protected. The robbery took place just next to my house, which has made me feel even more concerned about my own safety and the safety of my family and neighbours. We need an efficient CPF, stronger policing, quicker responses and better cooperation between residents and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from happening again. I also appeal to residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity to the police. If people see something unusual, they should report it as soon as possible so that the authorities can respond. This robbery should serve as a warning once more that delivery riders and our own workers are just as us, easy targets. As a community we must work together to make our streets safer. I hope the stolen property can be recovered and that those responsible will be brought before the law. I hope that no delivery rider or resident has to experience this kind of traumatic crime again.”
Albertus Christopher, also of Ahimsa Crescent, told the Laudium Sun, “I heard about the latest Uber Eats delivery rider being robbed, losing his motorbike and belongings It is really sad to hear about incidents like this happening in our community. I have tried to get residents on our street to do something to protect our street, but no one from our area seems willing to do anything about it. Crime is really increasing a lot and this area is becoming a serious problem for residents who are living here. It is very worrying when criminals can so easily move around on our streets and carry out crimes against innocent residents and people who are simply doing their jobs. The delivery Uber rider was working when he lost his motorbike and belongings. This shows how vulnerable people have become while going about their daily business. We cannot allow our community to reach a point where people are
too afraid to work, walk around or carry out their normal activities. We really need residents to come together and take the issue of crime seriously, as we cannot depend on the police or CPF patrollers to protect us. We need better communication and feedback and stronger co-operation between the community, police and security structures, so that criminals know that residents are watching and will not simply remain silent.”
Concerned Ahimsa Crescent resident, Rani Pillay, told the Laudium Sun, “It is becoming increasingly difficult for residents to feel safe in their own community. We need to stand together and find proper solutions instead of waiting for another person to become a victim. The safety of our streets should be something that every resident takes seriously, because everyone deserves to live and work without fear of becoming the next victim of crime.”