Councillor concerned about crime increase

The increase in violent crime in Judith’s Paarl, Bez Valley, Bruma and parts of Kensington has raised concerns.

A resident in Judith’s Paarl, Mr Lucky Nakedi, said a change in the way people are charged and an increase in police patrols will help fighting rising crime in the area.

“In the past month, the crime has exploded and it is scary. We have considered relocating. There have been a lot of murders, hijackings and house breakings,” he said.

He added that petty crime in the area often leads to serious crime.

“There are people seen loitering on the corners. When the SAPS is called, it is a petty crime and a by-law matter. A few hours later you found that the same people have committed a serious crime in the same vicinity,” he said.

Mr Nakedi said the number of muggings during the day is affecting schools in the area.

“There is a girl who has been mugged three times by people loitering along Third, Fourth and Sixth streets in Kensington. The child is mugged when returning from school. What is worse, the community members are not doing anything about it even when they see it happening,” he said.

Mr Nakedi said the current state of the legal system is concerning, as even if these people are arrested for petty crimes, they are often released few days later.

“We need to change the way we charge them. We have to charge them in such a way they don’t want to do it again. Currently, when we apprehend them and when the police arrive to arrest them, the suspects laugh at is because they know they will be back soon. Criminals seem to have more rights than the victims in the eyes of the law,” said Mr Nakedi.

He did, however, applaud the police response.

“We need more police visibility in our area, but I must say most of them are doing their best to keep us safe. They also respond when called,” he said.

Mr Hendry Nobre, from Bertrams, said that some police officers are not dedicated to their jobs.

“When you have a problem before 6am, or in the evening, you are in trouble. To some officers, this is just a job and not a calling,” he said.

He said he has witnessed several violent crime incidents in his area, including one incident where he was involved.

“Earlier this year, I woke up and found three men next to my bed. I thought I would lose my ear. I received 28 stitches from those horrible two hours of anguish,” he said.

The ward 66 councillor and member of the Public Safety Committee, Clr Carlos De Rocha, said the crime increase in parts of his ward are concerning.

“An old woman was murdered during a house robbery in Bez Valley last month. I was also the victim of an attempted hijacking recently. Two hijackings ended with shootings along Terrace Road in Judith’s Paarl last month. These are just a few of the incidents that have happened,” he said.

He urged the police to be more visible in these areas.

“The SAPS has to take crime more serious now because people are dying. The crime here has in increased at least by 500 percent. What is worse, is it is not just petty crime but violent crime as well,” he said.

Clr Da Rocha added that residents have to be extra cautious when approaching traffic lights.

“What I have learnt from my experience is to always keep your vehicle’s doors locked when driving. The first thing hijackers do when they get to your car is try to open it. That makes you more confused and scared. Also, when approaching traffic lights, give yourself a space between you and the car in front of you, so that you will be able to swerve and accelerate if the need arises,” said Clr Da Rocha.

The acting Jeppe Community Police Forum (JCPF) chairperson, Mr Navin Bacheu, called on residents to join hands in the fight against crime.

“You cannot live behind your high walls. Know your neighbours. They are your fist call when you are attacked. Be part of your street committee and the police forum. Form street groups. Never leave the fight against crime to other people, do your part,” he said.

For advice on how to form street committees, or being part of the community police forum, he can be contacted through navinb@vodamail.co.za or on 083 254 4866.