Some say that a ‘community that votes for incompetent leaders, deserves to receive incompetent services.’
However, the reality is that many times those who stand for elections, claiming to want to serve the community, are pretentious, make false promises and even bluff their constituency just to get their votes, but once elected are more keen to promote their own or their friends’ interests or seek to fill their pockets, blinded by the little power they gained. This is what many residents in the Laudium area are now claiming, concerning those who hold office, from politicians to Exco members of the CPF to Ward Committee members. Residents are even claiming that the Laudium CPF head and South African Pakistani Association Chairperson, Zahid-ul-Zama seems to only be promoting himself, Cllr Patel, the ANC and the Pakistani community living in the area and is not interested in fighting crime, in the interest of the entire community.
This follows yet another delivery rider being attacked by armed robbers at the infamous ‘hot spot’ in Laudium, recently. This time, three Black males attacked a Mr D delivery rider last Wednesday (July 1), pointing guns at him, beating him up and then stealing his Big Boy delivery motorbike, a cellphone, card machine and money, in broad daylight, at around 3:30pm. The armed robbery took place at the same spot where many other similar robberies have occurred recently, but despite the area known to be a crime ‘hot spot’ for criminals, the CPF and the police have seemingly not arranged for more police or CPF patrols in the area. Regarded by residents living in the area, as the “Gate of Horror,” the hotspot is located at the corner of Ahimsa Crescent and Orissa Avenue in Laudium Ext 3, which borders Laudium and Itireleng.
Phumi Maluleke of Ahimsa Crescent in Laudium Ext 3, told the Laudium Sun, “I was outside, in front of my home, when I witnessed the armed robbery with my own eyes. At first, I heard loud screaming and what sounded like some kind of fight. I immediately became concerned and stepped out of my house to see what was happening. When I got outside, I saw three Black thugs attacking a Mr D delivery rider at the place we all call the ‘Gate of Horror.’ According to what I later heard from the delivery rider, some individuals had placed a food order from a food outlet in Erasmia and the Mr D rider came to deliver the food at Ahimsa Crescent. However, the address that was given directed him straight to the ‘Gate of Horror.’ When he arrived there, the three thugs were already waiting. Without wasting any time, they pointed a gun at him, attacked him and robbed him of everything he had, including his motorbike, cellphone, card machine and money. I came out while the attack was still happening, but as a woman, I felt helpless and could not physically intervene. I immediately called the local private security company and the Laudium Police Station for assistance. Unfortunately, by the time help could arrive, the thugs had already taken everything from the delivery rider and fled the scene. After the robbery, the delivery guy came towards me as I was the only person standing outside at that moment. He was clearly shaken and traumatised. I gave him my phone so that he could contact his company and report the incident, as well as inform the tracking company to try and locate his motorbike. It was a very distressing moment for both of us, especially seeing how helpless he was after losing all his belongings. Later, I heard that the motorbike was reportedly recovered in the Itireleng Squatter Camp at around 7pm on the same day. It is believed that the thugs are from Itireleng and that they took the motorbike there immediately after the robbery. Although the motorbike was recovered, all the delivery guy’s personal belongings were gone, which is very unfortunate. The ‘Gate of Horror,’ as we call it, has become a serious danger point in our community. There is no proper gate or security and it is an open access point where people freely move between Laudium and the Itireleng Squatter Camp. Because of incidents like this, delivery riders are now too afraid to come into our area. Our street is slowly becoming blacklisted by delivery companies and residents are suffering because we can no longer receive delivery services. This is very bad for our community. I cannot understand why our Councillor and the CPF are not calling for the area to be fenced off so that criminals coming from Itireleng cannot run into Laudium, attack people and then quickly run back into Itireleng. There must also be visible police patrols in the area, as I have rarely seen police patrolling the area. We cannot continue living in fear like this. Something needs to be done urgently to protect both residents and service providers from these ongoing crimes.”
Vella Chetty of Orissa Avenue, Laudium Ext 3, told the Laudium Sun, “I heard about the motorbike hijacking incident that took place nearby and it is really very concerning. This place is no longer safe for anyone, whether it is residents or people who come into the area for work or deliveries. The level of crime in our community has gone from bad to worse and it is becoming more worrying with each passing day. Incidents like this are not new anymore. We keep hearing about robberies, hijackings and other criminal activities happening in and around our streets. It is clear that criminals are becoming bolder and are targeting innocent people without fear. The recent hijacking of the Mr D delivery driver is just one example of how dangerous the situation has become. Residents are now living with constant anxiety and even simple things like ordering food or receiving deliveries have become a risk. Many delivery drivers are now afraid to enter our area and this is affecting residents who depend on these services. It is unacceptable that we have reached a point where normal day-to-day activities are disrupted because of crime. There must be stronger police visibility on our street. We need to see more patrol vehicles from the police as well as from the CPF Community Patrollers. A visible law enforcement presence can help to deter criminals and make residents feel safer. The area leading into Itireleng from our street should also be closed off with concrete walling. At the moment it feels like there is no will by the police or the CPF to curb crime and criminals are taking advantage of that.”
Fatima Ebrahim, also of Ahimsa Crescent, told the Laudium Sun, “The community cannot continue to live in an unprotected and neglected environment. The politicians and the CPF who volunteered to serve the community, should give priority to our safety and urgent action must be taken to address these ongoing crime issues. This area in Ext 3 is not safe at all anymore and if nothing is done, the situation will only get worse. As residents, we are calling on the authorities to step in and take this matter seriously. We need immediate intervention, improved security measures and consistent patrols to restore safety and peace in our community. We have had enough of talking. The time for action is long overdue.”