Increase in Kenville, Sea Cow Lake muggings concerns residents
In recent weeks, two cases in particular have grabbed the attention of residents in the area, where pedestrians were robbed and shot.
THERE is growing concern in the Sea Cow Lake and Kenville areas over the increase in armed muggings.
In recent weeks, two cases in particular have grabbed the attention of residents in the area, where pedestrians were robbed and shot.
One of those incidents turned fatal as the victim died of the gunshot wound in the robbery on Peter Road.
Two weeks ago, another pedestrian was shot in the knee on Sea Cow Lake Road after being robbed by two suspects.
Also read:Â Effingham family locked in a room in armed robbery
Non-functioning streetlights are also exacerbating the problem, giving opportunistic criminals a chance to ambush potential victims.
Kenville / Sea Cow Lake Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association chairperson, Anil Beekrum, said he’d noticed a spike in incidents in recent weeks.
“Even if it is just to steal a cellphone, these criminals are using the dark to commit robberies. These latest incidents just highlight how dire the situation is. Residents and pedestrians just walking to and from work are at risk. At the moment, we have hundreds of streetlights that are out, and this is creating an easy way for criminals to operate,” he explained.
Also read: Pedestrian shot in Sea Cow Lake Road robbery
Beekrum added that there had also been incidents where criminals hid in overgrown bushes to strike.
“One of those is in the staircase running from Kenville Road to Sea Cow Lake Road. Many residents have been targeted on the staircase because the bush on either side of the steps is overgrown, making it easier for criminals to hide in,” he said.
Tusokwakhe Mthethwa, chairperson of NCP Informal Settlement, said he is also aware of incidents on the staircase.
“The staircase is metres away from the settlement. It is the easiest way to get down to Sea Cow Lake Road. I know of many instances where the criminals have waited in the darkness in the bushes to strike. It is very dark here, and it is easy for criminals to make their escape. I do agree with Anil that, in recent weeks, there has been an increase in crime. We are very worried about this escalation in activity. What we would like to see is for the streetlights to be fixed and for the area to be lit up again,” he said.
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