POLOKWANE – The open field in Spoorweg Street in Ladanna is a cause for concern for residents in the area.
This after several homes were recently burgled.
Nelly van Rooyen said she and her husband, Dannie, were victims of a burglary while they were away over the past weekend. She said the back door of their home was forced open and their TV and sound system were stolen, as well as a jar of silver coins they kept in the kitchen.
“The greatest concern in this street is the open field around the railway line, as well as the poorly maintained fences that allow people easy access to abandoned buildings in the open field, which they can use to hide out and watch our houses. The pathways also give people a chance to get away unseen after committing a crime,” Van Rooyen said.
On Friday, another family in the same street was burgled in broad daylight. Their television and two pairs of shoes were stolen. Several other homes in Spoorweg Street were also targeted recently, residents said.
According to Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, the police are not aware of many burglaries in the area as no cases were opened at the police station.
“We need assistance from residents in the reporting of crimes in the area to make sure that we know where it must be patrolled more intensely. When cases are opened the police can identify issues that need attention and with preparation for the festive season, resources are being used in different areas and can be redirected to problem areas. This can only be done if the police are made aware of the problem,” Mashiane said.
Transport spokesperson, Kagiso Mootane, said the Department of Transport will look into the matter of the railway premises being misused by criminals. She said she would provide feedback in due course.
