The elderly feels unsafe with rampant crime

JOHANNEBURG SOUTH – The Moffatview Old Age Tenants Association held a report-back meeting on Saturday March 14 at the Moffat Old Age Complex.

Present at the meeting were Ward 57 Cllr Faeeza Chame, Mr KW Crawage, President of Mother Body representing all the committees from the various municipal retirement villages, Mrs Linda Kock, Chairperson of the Moffatview CPF and representatives from the Annie Burger and Reuven committees.

In his opening address, Mr Willy Jacobs, chairperson of the Old Age Villages of the Southern region, said that because of the mounting crime in the area, the elderly feels unsafe. There have been reports of burglaries, cars parked inside the complex have been broken into, batteries and head lamps and other attachments been stolen, peddling of drugs and alcohol is also a matter of concern.

In reply, Mrs Linda Kock of the CPF said that they have taken this matter seriously, and brought this to the attention of the local police who have increased patrols in the area. Constable Tshabalala, encouraged the residents to report any crime, no matter how insignificant.

Regarding the lack of maintenance and the general neglect of the complex, and the illegal residents, Cllr Chame said she received numerous reports of broken toilets, leaking taps and pipes, blocked drains and faulty geysers. Most of the complaints have been reported, some have been dealt with. “Some of the illegal tenants should not be there, others need to be helped because of their desperation,” said Cllr Chame.

Mr Jacobs added that the pensioners find it extremely difficult to survive on their monthly pensions, while the cost of living is rising uncontrollably.

“The elderly are supposed to be the treasure of our society, yet they are frequently exploited by others, sometimes by their very own family members,” said Jacobs.

This report was compiled by Jerry Theys.