While the local police and CPF refuse to warn residents about the actual crime happening in the Laudium/Erasmia area, residents remain in the dark as to the crime incidents and are thus not able to take the relevant precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Also, as the police and the CPF refuse to give details of incidents of crime, residents have to rely on ‘hearsay’ incidents and details, which at times can be misleading.
The Laudium Sun thus, once more, urges the local SAPS to be transparent and to keep the community updated with actual crime happenings in the area. Nevertheless, the Laudium Sun will continue to report on crime, based on information received and after consulting with the victim or the relevant residents who are familiar with a specific incident of crime.
In one of the latest incidents of crime reported to the Laudium Sun this week, two thieves broke into a local general dealer shop situated near the Laudium Police Station, this past Monday evening (March 2), at around 10 pm. The break-in at the business, owned by Solomon Mamo, known as ‘The Block’ shop on Mocha Str, Laudium, saw a pair of thieves stealing a variety of items, including several packets of mieliemeal (maize), boxes of chocolates, body lotions and roll-ons, then fleeing the scene.
Solomon told the Laudium Sun, “I closed my shop at around 9 pm and went home for the night. The next morning, when I returned to the shop, I discovered that the security roller door had been forced open. Immediately, I knew something was wrong. Inside the shop, several mieliemeal (maize) packets, boxes of chocolates, cosmetics and a number of cigarette packs were missing. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage showing the inside of the shop, it became clear that two thieves had entered after breaking-in and then stole a number of items. My cameras do not show outside the shop, so I don’t know if the two thieves had someone else outside assisting them to carry away the goods stolen. My shop serves the local community and it is concerning that criminals are targeting small businesses like ours, as we work really hard to make an honest living. The rise of crime in the White Blocks area is alarming, especially at night. Despite the proximity of the Police Station, there is a noticeable lack of police patrols in the neighborhood. The CPF Patrollers are rarely seen, leaving business owners and residents feeling unprotected. Operating a small business in this environment has become increasingly difficult. There is the constant worry about potential theft and damage, which creates stress and uncertainty for local shop owners who are trying to provide services to the public. An immediate increase of patrols by the police and the Community Patrollers is the minimum required to keep residents safer. Without proper protection, small businesses such as mine continue to face threats that compromise our livelihoods and the well-being of the neighborhood. This theft at my shop highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures on Mocha Street and the surrounding areas. Ensuring that both residents and business owners feel secure is essential.”
Shaneil Moodley, assistant at the ‘Block Shop’ told the Laudium Sun, “I work at this shop as a helper and this job is my only source of income. I struggled for a long time without opportunities until I was able to secure this position. If the shop closes due to theft or criminal activity, I risk losing my livelihood and the closure will also affect the business and the entire community. Criminals are disrupting our daily lives and their actions are creating fear and instability in the neighborhood. The area has been plagued by crime and drug-related activities, which threatens the future of young people. Many of us in the new generation want to build honest, productive lives, free from the destructive patterns of the past. Growing up surrounded by crime makes it difficult to focus on work, education and personal growth. It is crucial for our police to take proactive measures to prevent illegal activities, protect residents and to maintain law and order. Increased police presence and regular patrolling, could help reduce crime and restore a sense of safety in the White Blocks area. The community wants to create a future that offers opportunities for honest work, education, and personal development. Ensuring that crime is effectively addressed and law & order is maintained will allow the new generation to grow in a secure environment and contribute positively to the neighborhood.”
Paresh Padayachee, also of Mocha Street, told the Laudium Sun, “The crime situation in the ‘blocks’ is alarming. Hardworking people here are trying to build decent lives, but criminals are making it impossible to live peacefully. Safety has become a constant worry, especially at night when illegal activities increase. More police patrolling is urgently needed, not for appearances or collecting money from criminal networks, but to genuinely protect the community from crime and drugs. Residents feel abandoned because local law enforcement fails to respond effectively to threats the community faces. Corruption amongst police members within the Police Station has left many questioning whether they can rely on our local officers to maintain law and order. Reports of officials working with criminals or turning a blind eye to illegal operations undermine trust and makes the neighborhood more vulnerable. As a community we are frustrated that while crime escalates, those responsible for protecting us seem more focused on personal gain than public safety. The police need to hear our cries for protection and law & order, but unfortunately we are ignored. Immediate action is necessary to restore security and confidence. Regular monitoring, visible policing and accountability within the station could deter criminal activity and reassure residents. The people of Mocha Street need a safe environment to live and work in, without fear.”