Westville residents terrorised by armed gang

A WESTVILLE family has been forced to fork out thousands of Rands to beef up the security at home, and have resorted to wearing panic buttons around their necks at all times.

The recent spike in crime in their neighbourhood has caused the family to live in fear, after they were almost attacked by a group of armed criminals who have been targeting residents residing in Konigkramer Avenue, Westville.

According to 73-year-old Barbra Wiegner, who has been living in the area for the past 40 years, there has been a increase in hijackings and house robberies since last year.

Speaking about an incident which caused her family to invest in more burlgar guards and alarm systems, Wiegner said: “We were having our afternoon nap when I heard a sound. At first I thought it was a monkey, but when I looked outside I saw a man outside my kitchen door.

“I made eye contact with him, and he seemed as if he was highly intoxicated with drugs. He tried to break down the door, and the rest of my family woke up. Fortunately the lock jammed, so he was unable to enter our house.

“We contacted the police, who responded immediately, but the man escaped. Several of our neighbours have also been targeted by these criminals. They have been robbed of their vehicles, electrical appliances and jewellery. Two of my friends were been dragged out of the shower by ruthless men during a robbery.

“The armed criminals break into homes, take whatever they want and escape through the vegetation that surrounds our houses. From the reports we have received, the men are armed with guns, knives and screwdrivers.

“We would like to commend the Westville police on their efficient service and quick response time. However, we appeal to the respective authorities to intervene and try to address this problem. We are being terrorised and we cannot continue to live in fear.”