Commissioner Street in Fairview has become a high crime zone area, according to business owners.
The EXPRESS reported in May this year that business owners live in fear of being robbed. They say it is no longer safe for them because of the high number of business break-ins.
This come after another business was recently robbed.
Local businessman, Mr Clint Franco previously told the EXPRESS his suppliers are also afraid to do deliveries in the area.
Following the most recent robbery, another businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “You come to work holding your breath and just hope for the best that your business is in one piece. We have to leave early for safety reasons,” he said.
He said there is an abandoned building in the area that has been a problem because it has no lights or running water and yet people are living in the building.
It is alleged the building is also a contributing factor to the crime in the area.
Business owners say police are not visible enough in the area and that cases opened are not investigated.
Jeppe SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Richard Munyayi said they are aware of the area’s challenges.
“We are aware of all cases that are reported at the station and they are allocated to the investigating officers to investigate. Every crime committed, be it business or house robberies and break-ins are attended to, if possible, fingerprints are taken and they are investigated,” said W/O Munyayi.
Commenting on the allegations of lack of police visibility, he said Jeppe SAPS are attending to this concern.
“The station commander, Brigadier David Ngcobo had a meeting with the business people and community in Troyville at a sector meeting on May 21 at David Webster Community Centre.
“There was a promise made that more police will be deployed for more visibility,” said W/O Munyayi.
He urged the community to report all cases in the area.
“Everyone has the right to open cases and should not be scared to do so as criminals are arrested and taken to court. If they are found guilty they are sentenced and taken away,” said W/O Munyayi.
“Remember people have a right to apply for bail. So if the justice system gives them bail, police have little power, but we do oppose such bail applications in court,” said W/O Munyayi.
He said there are challenges in the whole policing precinct that need solving on a daily basis.
“The community needs to be involved. If the community comes on board and assist us by giving us information and always be vigilant we can solve a number of challenges,” said W/O Munyayi.
Jeppe CPF chairperson, Mr Zola Dambula said there are challenges in the area but business owners also need to come on board in assisting in the fight against crime.
“There are very few business owners who are working very closely with us in the fight against crime. Fighting crime is a collective effort. When we call sector crime forum meetings, business owners don’t attend meetings.
“It is for that reason that we have embarked on a process to launch a business crime forum aimed a businesses in particular,” said Mr Dambula.
He said he has met with some business owners from the area and discussed plans for sector 2 and they have agreed to assist in forming the sector 2 business forum.
“The business forum will help businesses engage with each other on the issues in the area and identify how we can make the area safe again,” said Mr Dambula.
