CRIMINAL elements using the D’MOSS site on Collard Road in uMgeni Park have continued terrorising the surrounding community. So much so, that a Browns Drift Road resident, Adrianne Göpper said she is living in constant fear.
This despite a complete of the dilapidated fence in February, which previously provided vagrants and criminals with easy access into – and out of – the protected conservancy. Puffs of smoke, indicating habitation, can regularly be seen billowing out of the vegetation, she added.
According to Göpper she has since the renovation project fallen victim to two robberies at her home. Her next door neighbours were also burgled while they were away on holiday.
“I don’t go outside after dark. I lock myself inside my home, as I am too scared. They have targeted my house while we were at home. The saddest irony for me is that we recently celebrated Freedom Day – yes, it’s all about our freedom of democracy, but we live like prisoners in our own homes,” she said.
What’s more, Göpper said in the beginning of April she spotted several men climbing over the new conservancy fence using a small mattress. “Razor wires and spikes mean nothing to them,” she said.
The concerned resident called for more visible policing as well as a sweep to clear the conservancy.
In May last year fellow uMgeni Park resident, Danny Payne, ventured into the conservancy after he had been robbed. Inside he spotted various trails leading into the vegetation as well as sites used to sift through stolen loot. “I could not believe what I saw. Not only was it polluted with litter and discarded clothes, but they had also destroyed the vegetation,” he said.
Ward councillor Shaun Ryley confirmed that the site remains a major problem in the area, and was regularly raised during community police forum (CPF) meetings.
“I will escalate the issue and request that the natural resources department conduct a sweep within the site,” he said.
Ryley urged the community to report any criminal activities as well as vagrancy signs to the emergency services via 031 361 0000.
“Lighting fires in a public space or park is against the new by-laws, and residents should ensure that they report such incidents to both Metro Police and the fire services,” he added.
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