ESTCOURT KZN: Crime wave sweeping through the CBD

When it comes to fighting crime in the streets surrounding the Estcourt taxi rank, some residents are of the opinion that the police, residents and business owners are on the losing end.

Rampant petty theft has been widespread in streets like Alexandra, Phillip and Albert, with fingers pointing at the dozens of homeless people commonly referred to as ‘paras’ by locals.

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In one of the most recent incidents that took place in Phillip Street on April 28, Avesh Harry was robbed and his vehicle damaged in what he described as a ‘revenge attack’.

“We are not safe, even though we are paying our rates and taxes; the criminals have the upper hand. The police know where the hot-spots are, as a lot of cases have been reported. They need to be more visible by patrolling; not just in their vehicles, but on foot as well, to keep an eye out. The municipality is providing a life of luxury for these paras; they get free food, water and electricity while living in the public halls. I suggest that the municipality hire a private security company, because the current security company isn’t making any arrests. I think that the businesses and community also need to stand together to fight crime,” said Mr Harry.

An Alexandra Street business owner, who was also a victim of crime, agrees with these sentiments.

Shamima Shaik says that crimes are being committed daily in the rank. “These paras target vehicles in the parking bays, as well as people. The police need to get rid of them immediately, as business owners also become their targets,” she said.

“When I was held up last year December, nothing was done by the police to catch them. My case was closed immediately by the police, so what’s the point of calling the police if you know that nothing will be done to catch them. These paras are free and doing what they want, yet the police do nothing about it,” added Ms Shaik.

Suggestions and allegations from the residents have been sent to the police and local municipality for comment.
The police gave no comment.

Municipal Manager Patrick Mkhize said that the municipality ‘will beef up security in the taxi rank’. With regards to the homeless people being housed in the halls, Mr Mkhize said this practice is no longer allowed.

“Homeless people have ceased to occupy local community halls as per the Department of Social Development report, who were handling the whole process. There should be no homeless person occupying a hall, since such an arrangement has been stopped. For more information on this matter, people can contact Ms Z Ndlovu on 036-342-7500,” commented Mr Mkhize.

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