CPF chairman robbed in notorious Pinetown CBD
Tony da Canha advised other victims to come forward and open cases so that authorities can assign more manpower to the Pinetown area.
PINETOWN and New Germany CPF, Tony Da Canha was the latest victim of the thugs roaming in the streets of Pinetown.
The 77-year-old who has sworn to never return to the Pinetown CBD alone said this was not his first encounter with the ruthless criminals.
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“I have been mugged six times and I am not setting my foot back there, the crime is just out of control,” said da Canha.
Pinetown is infamously known as ‘Crimetown’ due to the high number of criminal activities.
Describing his ordeal which happened in broad daylight, the New Germany resident said he parked his car at the Sizakala Centre to visit a councillor.
“I just had a craving for fried chips and a pie.”
When Da Canha went to a shop close by, he was told that they only accept cash.
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“I decided to walk to Hill Street to withdraw some money. I walked up Crompton then turned into Hill Street. Suddenly, a person grabbed me from behind.”
He said he believes there were two thugs as there was one choking him from behind and the other going through his pockets.
“I could not breathe or scream for help, if that person choked a little bit longer I would have died,” he said.
The next thing he remembered was waking up from the floor.
“I believe I was unconscious for a few minutes, my wallet was gone, all my cards were there, ID, bank cards, medical aid card, a whole lot,” said da Canha.
When he relayed his ordeal to his neighbour, he was surprised to hear he had also fallen victim to the criminals.
“He said he was also attacked from behind, I really think people should also be wary of the people behind them when walking in Pinetown.”
Report crime to increase manpower
Da Canha said the only thing that he believes will curb crime in the Pinetown area is to increase police in the vicinity but it is so difficult for that to happen as many people are not opening cases.
“If police are not getting the correct number of incidents, no manpower will be placed in that area as they believe everything is fine, I really urge people to report these cases so that these perpetrators can be arrested,” he said.
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The CPF chairman said they have come up with a plan to put big boards in the hotspots to warn people about crime.
He said two boards have already been sponsored and will be erected as soon as they get the green light from authorities.
“We are hoping to have more to put around the notorious intersections,” he said.
When they get the go ahead, pamphlets will be distributed and handed to shop owners, pedestrians and motorists.
Pinetown Cluster communications officer, Capt Bongumusa Manqele said police are investigating a case of common robbery
“The complainant was walking along Hill street and was robbed by two unknown men who took various cards from him. No one has been arrested as yet,” he said.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
