Despite several pleas by residents of Laudium Ext 3, to both CPF chair Shaheen Wahab and Cllr Naeem Patel from the ANC, to assist in increasing street lighting and closing off the open spaces leading into the nearby informal settlement area of Itireleng and into Atteridgeville, their pleas have been met with deaf ears.
Residents in the area have often pointed out that the streets are dark at night, due to insufficient lighting near the open spaces and many times the streetlights do not work. Also, they pointed out that the open spaces were used by criminals as a quick getaway, after attacking residents or their homes and that the police and CPF patrollers in the area are hardly seen.
This follows yet another house break-in at a home in the area. This time a home on Ahimsa Crescent, Laudium Ext 3, was targeted by thieves last Sunday night, at around 9pm. It is believed that three Black males forcefully entered a flat in a home rented by Dennis Maphosa. The thieves broke the front door, thereafter ransacking the flat and left after stealing a number of valuables, cash and clothes.
Dennis, a tenant of the home on Ahimsa Crescent, told the Laudium Sun, “I am one of the tenants in this house. I was not at home on Sunday when the break-in occurred. When I returned shortly before midnight the same day at around 11:30pm, I was shocked to discover that my flat had been burgled. The thieves broke the front door, gaining entry to the house. This is very upsetting. I am a hardworking person and earn my livelihood honestly. It is not fair that as residents, we should be subjected to such crimes which should not happen in the first place. These thieves ransacked the flat, presumably looking for valuables. I later heard from my neighbour that they saw three guys in the yard earlier, at around 9pm, which I assume was around the time that they broke in. My neighbour said that he thought they were my friends and did not investigate or question them. Because of this, the thieves were able to enter the property and steal my belongings without anyone noticing. I lost everything I had worked for. It is extremely frustrating to see all my possessions gone, as I earned them through hard work and dedication. This theft shows how serious the crime situation has become in our area. There should be more police patrols, especially at night to prevent such occurrences. Crime in Ahimsa Crescent and the surrounding area is getting out of control and residents are feeling increasingly unsafe. The politicians and those tasked with the safety of the community, including the police, need to take urgent action to improve security, both through increased policing and more effective community measures. Immediate steps must be taken to protect the community and ensure that residents can feel safe in their own homes again.”
Marko Kruger of Ahimsa Crescent, told the Laudium Sun, “Crime in this area is way too high and with the festive season approaching, it is likely to increase even more. Residents are concerned for their safety, as criminal activity seems to rise during this time. Unfortunately, law enforcement in the area is not doing enough to address the problem. The police need to patrol the streets more frequently, but it is rare to even see their vans or officers around the neighbourhood. This lack of visible policing leaves residents feeling vulnerable, especially during the nights when the risk of theft and other crimes is higher. The issue of poor street lighting and closing off the open area leading into the hills should also be urgently addressed. People are worried about their homes, vehicles and personal belongings, as criminals appear to operate freely in the area. The festive period, which should be a time of joy and celebration, is overshadowed by fear and uncertainty due to the high crime rate. Residents are calling on the politicians and the law enforcement agencies to increase police presence and implement more effective crime prevention strategies. Without these measures, crime will continue to escalate, leaving the community exposed and frustrated.”
Shenaz Ismail, also of Ahimsa Crescent, told the Laudium Sun, “We are really disturbed by the recent break-ins of houses and the increasing criminal activity in our area. The police must step in and take their responsibilities seriously, instead of sitting at the station doing nothing. Residents in the area rely on the politicians and law enforcement agencies to protect them, their homes and property and it is urgent that the police and the CPF increase patrols and implement measures to curb crime before the situation gets even worse.”