Residents around Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve sees a rise in crime

TPS Security has also made it their mission to ensure the safety of these residents.

Ardele Fernandes and Arthur Couto from TPS Security show the CHRONICLE where criminals usually gain access to the property.

Residents around the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in Suideroord have been experiencing a wave of crime as criminals use the reserve as a way of gaining access to properties.

In a recent incident, a woman was in her garden and saw a suspect cutting the Telkom line, but the suspect disappeared before she could confront him.

The rise in crime in the Suideroord area caused residents to spend more on security measures.

Ardele Fernandes, a resident of Suideroord, said, “For the last 10 years, the crime has just gotten worse. Criminals are using the reserve as a hiding spot.

During a recent break-in, criminals were seen removing parts of the wall to get access to the property. Photograph: Supplied.

“Shoot-outs are common, and it is only a matter of time before someone is killed in their own house. I love to garden, but I’m too afraid to go outside alone because I don’t know who is watching me from the reserve side.

“It will cost us a large sum of money to upgrade our fencing to keep criminals out and will also devalue our view of the reserve. We used to see the animals grazing, but now we had to start closing up the fence to ensure the safety of our families.”

In the last few months, numerous dogs have been poisoned, which has led to some of the residents being too afraid to even let their dogs roam the yard.

A Telkom line has been cut by criminals recently while residents were powerless to stop it from happening. Here the line can be seen hanging from the pole.

A few residents spoke to the CHRONICLE on the condition that their identities are not revealed.

One resident told the CHRONICLE there was recently a shoot-out in her garden between a security company and a group of armed robbers.

“I now fear for the safety of myself and my children, as this could happen at any time. SAPS send out trauma counsellors, but they didn’t help much as we still live in fear every day.”

In another incident, a domestic worker was attacked and tied up while criminals ransacked the house.

Mike Fontes of the Mondeor CPF said, “We are aware of the problem facing the residents around the reserve. It’s a historical problem that surfaces from time to time. As far as I’m aware, there have been no arrests, although the CPF will work with all our partners on an appropriate policing response.”

Residents are forced to spend thousands of rands on safety for themselves and their families but it’s still not enough to stop criminals.

TPS Security has also made it its mission to ensure the safety of these residents.

The CHRONICLE has approached the Mondeor Police Station for comment but has not received any feedback by the time of publishing.

As soon as comment is received, it will be shared with our readers.