With another week gone by, the Laudium Sun has yet again received more complaints of the ongoing crime in the Laudium/Erasmia area, with residents remaining living in fear.
Unfortunately, many of those in charge of fighting crime, including the Minister of Police, the Commissioner and many other top brass police officials, have also been implicated in committing crime, but only remain suspended, by the order of President Ramaphosa.
In one of the latest incidents of crime reported to the Laudium Sun for stats purposes, three Black males were captured on CCTV footage, forcefully entering a home on Agra Street East, last Thursday night (April 23) at around 11:30pm. The thieves managed to enter and leave the premises without being spotted by the police or CPF Patrollers, despite carrying out a number of valuable items stolen from the house, including cash, electronic items and other valuable household items.
Homeowner, Aliya Ismail, told the Laudium Sun, “We were not at home at the time of the break-in as there was a family function and we only got back home at around midnight. During our absence, thieves broke into our house. They gained access by jumping over the front gate and then forced opened the back kitchen door, damaging it in the process. Once inside, they ransacked the whole house, clearly looking for money and valuables to steal, getting away with a lot of our expensive items. They managed to steal cash and expensive electronic items and many other expensive household belongings. When we later checked the CCTV footage, it clearly showed three thieves involved in the break-in. The footage confirmed how they entered the property and carried out the theft within a short space of time. The incident has left us shocked and concerned about the low level of security in the area. This street has become increasingly unsafe, as there have been multiple housebreaking incidents around here, reported in the past as well, even in the Laudium Sun. It is becoming a repeated pattern, especially during the night hours when most of these crimes take place. It seems that these criminals are watching our homes from the water canal opposite our homes, seeing who is leaving at night. This creates a constant sense of fear and insecurity for us as residents who are just trying to live peacefully in our own homes. Regular patrols and stronger police presence in the area, especially at night, could help deter these kinds of incidents and make the community feel safer. The politicians and the police should ensure that the safety of residents is a priority, as residents deserve to live in a secure and peaceful environment without the constant worry of being targeted by criminals. Living under such conditions is becoming increasingly stressful and urgent action is needed to address the situation properly. Crime in the area needs to be brought under control and stronger measures should be implemented to prevent further incidents. Many residents believe that more accountability and active policing is required, as they feel that current efforts are not sufficient to deal with the growing problem. A safe and peaceful community is what is needed for everyone living here and steps must be taken by those who chose to serve the community, to ensure that this becomes a reality.”
Ebrahim Ayob of Agra Str East, told the Laudium Sun, “I heard about the break-in nearby and it is really concerning, because it seems that crime in our area is increasing each day, with the police either having no control to curb it or not wanting to stop it. It feels like there is no end in sight concerning crime and this has created a lot of fear among us ordinary residents who are just trying to live a normal and peaceful life in our homes. I also read on the Laudium Sun Facebook Page about the seven members of the same family who were taken away from their home, with money being withdrawn from their bank accounts and then being killed, with one female even being raped. That situation is beyond shocking. It is difficult to even find the right words to describe such a horrific incident. It shows how serious and extreme crime has become in our country and raises even more concern about safety in our own communities. Crime needs to stop. People want to live in an environment where there is peace, stability and a sense of safety. However, when police visibility is so low and the CPF Community Patrol groups are not actively protecting or monitoring the area as they are supposed to, it leaves residents feeling vulnerable and exposed. Without proper law enforcement, it is almost impossible to see how this situation will improve. Laudium is becoming more and more unsafe and this is something that is being felt by many residents. Ordinary people who are trying to make a living and survive daily are the ones who are most affected. There is constant worry about safety, especially during the night and even during the day there is a growing sense of insecurity. At the same time, it is noticeable that many of those who have the financial means are relocating to nearby gated areas like Raslouw and Eldoraigne. Unfortunately, many others do not have that option. People who are struggling financially are left behind in areas where crime is increasing and there is no easy way out for them. This creates a feeling of being trapped in unsafe conditions without any realistic alternatives. What is needed is stronger protection and more effective action from both law enforcement and community safety structures. The area needs consistent patrols, better response times and visible pro-active efforts to prevent crime before it happens. Residents cannot continue living in fear, while crime just gets worse.”
Aneesa Carrim, also of Agra Str East, told the Laudium Sun, “There is a strong need for accountability and proper safety measures to be put into place so that the community can feel secure again. Crime is affecting us all and it is damaging the sense of trust and peace that every neighbourhood should have. Immediate attention is required by the politicians and the police to ensure that Laudium and surrounding areas are properly protected and that residents can once again feel safe in their own homes.”