Crime Invades Eastbank

Eastbank residents are up in arms about soaring crime and other service delivery failures in their area.

Those living in Canary Avenue between Alfred Nzo and Springbok avenues claim 10 houses were burgled in April, with one broken into three times. All cases were reported to the police, but no arrests have been made. They allege the robberies increased significantly from the beginning of the year.

They are worried that residents will sson take the law into their own hands.

“Lack of arrests encourages criminals to plunder our homes at will, even during day time,” said one of the victims, Andrew Mahlangu. “We have now formed protection groups and though with police consent, we worry that over time, there will be deadly confrontations as the criminals will also organise and arm themselves in groups.”

He attributed the robberies to poor service delivery. “The council delays in cutting grass along the streets and behind houses creating hideouts for criminals who waylay and steal cellphones from children and women while also looking out for homes to rob,” he said.

A pensioner, Bayisile Mgolombabe (63) whose family was robbed three times this year said, “One time it happened during the day and in all, they stole household items – televisions, a music set, my ring, identity document, clothing, sports equipment, and cellphones valued at R30 000. I have had to replace TVs three times. We are now constructing a front wall, but this will be a short term deterrent as the robberies will just shift elsewhere and come back later when we least expect.”

Another resident, Jabu Ngima criticised councillor Joyce Ngwenya for breaking promises to meet with residents. “We also report to her and have even suggested closure of passages between homes, but she hasn’t offered a solution to our plight,” he said.

They also complained of escalating municipal bills and street lights which were constantly on despite numerous reports made to the city council. “All we receive are reference numbers and no action,” said Mahlangu.

Ngwenya confirmed knowledge of the problems and said she would reconvene meetings which were postponed due to the elections. “Their petition for closure of lanes is being considered by the petitions committee, department of roads and transport and the police, and I cannot guess the outcome. When communities are frustrated they tend to lose patience,” she concluded.

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