Another week and yet again residents of Laudium have no clue as to how many incidents of crime have taken place, nor even the nature of the crimes that have been committed in the area, due to the ongoing silence from the CPF, meant to be representing the community.
While the local CPF head, Zahid-ul Zaman the chair of the Pakistan South African Association, does not seem to be interested in curbing crime in the area, as he seems to be more busy promoting ANC Cllr Patel to be nominated again as the ANC’s candidate for the next 5 years as Councillor, also promoting the interests of Pakistanis in South
Africa, residents are left in the cold as their voices and concerns are seemingly silenced concerning policing in the area.
Once more the Laudium Sun had to rely on information from the community concerning crime in the area for stats purposes, with one of the latest reports received being that of another armed robbery in Laudium Ext 3.
This follows a resident of Delhi Avenue, Laudium Ext 3, being robbed at gunpoint, in the early hours of the morning, by two Black males driving a blue Hyundai Atos. The thugs attacked Indian national, Mohammed Karimulla, as he was walking back home after attending the early morning prayer (Fajr), at the nearby Mosque on Himalaya Street, at around 6:30am, last Wednesday (June 10). It is believed that two thugs jumped out of the Hyundai when they spotted Mohammed walking to his nearby home. The pair of thugs grabbed the resident demanding that he hand over all his valuables, with one of the thugs even hitting him on his head with the butt of a gun. Fearing for his safety, Mohammed immediately handed over his iPhone and the little cash he had on him, after which the thugs jumped back into their waiting vehicle, which then sped off.
Mohammed told the Laudium Sun, “I was returning from the Mosque on Himalaya Street after performing my Fajr prayer. It was around 6:30am when I was attacked. I live on Delhi Avenue and since the Mosque is not far from my home, I usually prefer walking instead of driving to the Mosque. Everything seemed normal that morning and there was nothing unusual when I left the mosque after the prayer. However, while I was making my way back home, just a short distance before reaching my house, I was suddenly faced with a terrifying situation. Two unknown Black males, stopped me in the middle of the street. They were travelling in a blue vehicle and one of them, without any warning or explanation, began attacking me and struck me on my head with what appeared to be a firearm. The attack was sudden and extremely violent and I had no opportunity to defend myself or escape. At that moment, I genuinely feared for my life. I felt completely helpless and thought that I might not survive the ordeal. The thugs then demanded that I hand over everything I had on me. They searched me and instructed me to give them everything. I did not have anything valuable with me except my mobile phone and some small change. Out of fear and to avoid further harm, I immediately handed over my iPhone and the coins to them. The thugs then quickly returned to their vehicle and drove away from the scene. The entire incident lasted less than a minute, but left me deeply shaken and traumatized. I still cannot believe that something like this could happen so close to my home, especially during a time when the streets should be safe and peaceful. This experience has left me feeling extremely unsafe in my own neighbourhood. Crime in this area seems to be increasing and residents like myself are living in constant fear. There is very little visible police presence, not even community patrols. I believe stronger action is needed to improve safety and prevent such incidents from happening. No one should have to experience what I went through.”
Farouk Ballim of Bengal Street, Laudium Ext 3, told the Laudium Sun, “I just heard about the person who was returning from the nearby Mosque after the morning prayer, being attacked on his way home, by armed thugs. This robbery has once again caused significant concern among residents living in our neighbourhood, as it highlights the growing sense of vulnerability that many of us are experiencing or facing on a daily basis. What happened is deeply troubling because it sends a message that even routine activities such as walking to and from places of worship are no longer safe. Many residents now feel uncertain about their personal security, even during early morning or peaceful hours when one would normally expect calm surroundings. The idea that someone can be targeted so close to their home is extremely worrying for everyone in the area. Over time, there has been a noticeable shift in how people view safety within Laudium. Activities that were once considered normal, such as visiting the Mosque, walking along familiar streets, or simply stepping out for fresh air, are now approached with caution and anxiety. This change in behaviour reflects a deeper problem that needs urgent attention. In my opinion, the situation gives the impression that there is no more law and order in our community. People are beginning to feel as though there is very little control over criminal activity and that the offenders are becoming more confident in carrying out their actions. When individuals or families are forced to live in conditions of confinement or restriction within their own areas, it shows just how serious the emotional impact has become on ordinary families.”
Rafique Mallam, also of Bengal Street, told the Laudium Sun, “Residents are increasingly expressing frustration about the lack of visible safety measures. There is a strong feeling that more consistent policing and CPF patrols, quicker response times and stronger preventative strategies are required. Without these improvements, fear will continue to grow and community confidence will keep declining. I also believe that communication between law enforcement structures and the community needs to improve. People want reassurance that their concerns are being heard and addressed in a meaningful way. It is not enough to simply react after incidents occur. There must be proactive steps taken to prevent these kindS of traumatic crimes from happening in the first place. Ultimately, the safety and well-being of residents should be treated as a priority, by the politicians, the CPF and the police. Every resident deserves to walk freely, attend places of worship and move around their neighbourhood without fear. The current situation has created emotional stress and uncertainty, and urgent attention is needed to restore a sense of peace and stability within Laudium.”
