Lyndhurst residents disturbed by vagrants living in power sub-station
Lyndhurst – Residents resort to re-enforcing their household security to counter criminals in their suburbs.
Residents of Whitney Gardens between Gabor Road and Corlett Drive in Lyndhurst are demanding that authorities take action against vagrants living in their electricity sub-station.
Residents said they fear for their lives considering the level of crime in their area and suggest that the vagrants be relocated elsewhere.
They claim the situation has been going on for over a year now and even though they have reported this, it still falls on deaf ears.
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According to one resident, Thokozile Rankoe, she has had two attempted break-ins on her property since she moved to her house in October 1998.
She blames the incidents on the authorities’ failure to act on the crime that she claims is on the rise in their area.
Rankoe said she had to re-enforce her household security system because of fear of crime in the suburbs.
“I had to step-up my security by installing an alarm system and making sure I do not leave my domestic worker alone when I am out of the house or out of the country,” said Rankoe.
“This situation is affecting us dearly. My neighbour continues calling the police, the councillor and the City of Johannesburg but no one seems to care about the problem.”
She said the vagrants sleep there at night and go about whatever they do during the day.
Read: Don’t give vagrants money or food – ward councillor
This problem has been ongoing for more than a year, hence the previous owners sold and moved, she said.
“I don’t know whether they are vagrants or what. I am concerned as during the holidays I am alone in my house.
“I feel those people should be forcibly removed and the City should install proper fencing or a wall or whatever to safeguard us,” she said.
When contacted, Ward 81 councillor, Irene Rugheimer, told North Eastern Tribune that she was not aware of the situation but urges residents to report such incidents.
“Unfortunately I was not aware of this; usually residents inform me or report to City Power directly. I would urge residents to make me aware of such situations so that I can escalate,” she said.
She, however, said she has reported this matter to City Power for them to attend to it as soon as possible.
Details: Irene Rugheimer 072 409 6594.
