Councillor warns community to avoid Glenwood crime hotspot

WITH a booming nightlife, Helen Joseph Road in the heart of Glenwood has become a crime hotspot.

This according to Ward 33 councillor Sakhile Mngadi. Mngadi’s concerns culminated as a murder was reported on Shuter Road, which intersects with Helen Joseph Road.

Mngadi said he received a call from the Umbilo Community Policing Form (CPF) on Thursday, August 11 with the grim news that Beachwood B&B owner Jacquline Needham was killed on the property.

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“The incident scared the community. It speaks to the increasing crime in the area. Glenwood has become generally unsafe. There has been an increase in businesses in the area, which brings in elements like drug use,” he said.

Mngadi said the murder follows several incidents of crime in the area.

“There has been an increase in hijacking and muggings. On Tuesday (August 9), there were gunshots heard on Helen Joseph Road. Some businesses have donated funds to increase security on the road, but generally, as a councillor, it’s been worrying to see what’s been happening across the board. People need to be vigilant when they are walking in the area and avoid walking alone at night. Be
vigilant when entering and exiting your properties,” he said.

“A lot of suspicious activity happens between 20:00 and 04:00. Those are the times people need to be aware of their surroundings. During these times, there are a lot of people who don’t live here who come into the area. Some establishments close at 02:00. It’s busy right into the early hours of the morning,” said the councillor.

Captain Carmen Rhynes, eThekwini District communications officer for SAPS, confirmed that Helen Joseph Road is a crime hotspot. According to Rhynes, this is because of the frequent influx of visitors to taverns, restaurants and bars on the busy road, however, she noted that there has been no sudden spike in crime.

“The crimes that are more frequent are street robberies,” said Rhynes.

She added that SAPS are in the area on foot and patrol during peak visiting times.

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“Patrols are regular on Helen Joseph Road between 00:00 and 02:00 due to visitors gathering outside and socialising after the places they have visited are closed. In the early hours of the morning, SAPS have blue light patrols in the area, to show police visibility,” said Rhynes.

Recent arrests include arrests for drugs and possession of dangerous weapons.