Crime surge sparks fear and trauma in community
Wentworth residents call for more police visibility in the area as shootings become more frequent.
IN recent months, an upsurge in criminal activity has besieged the community of Wentworth and its surrounding areas, instilling fear and apprehension among residents as shootings become increasingly frequent.
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According to Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman, the once tranquil streets have transformed into battlegrounds, leaving both senior citizens and children inundated with stress and anxiety, unsure of when the next eruption of violence will occur.
“The pervasive sense of fear has cast a somber pall over our neighbourhood, with many residents too terrified to speak out against the perpetrators, whom they often know by name but dare not confront for fear of reprisal. This culture of silence only serves to embolden the criminals, enabling them to operate with impunity and perpetuate a cycle of violence that shows no signs of relenting,” remarked Snyman.
“In the face of this escalating crisis, the police are tasked with maintaining order and safeguarding the community. Yet, despite their efforts to patrol known hotspots, the lack of actionable intelligence and cooperation from residents has impeded their ability to make meaningful arrests and stem the tide of violence,” he continued.
He urged the police to intensify patrols in crime-ridden areas of Wentworth to ensure safety and security in the suburb.
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“However, addressing this crime epidemic cannot solely be done by law enforcement. It necessitates a collective endeavour from every member of our community to stand up and reclaim our streets from the grip of fear and violence. We must unite in solidarity and refuse to be cowed into silence any longer.
“Now is the time for us to break the cycle of fear and take a stand against those who seek to terrorise our neighbourhoods. Together, we can send a resounding message that crime and violence have no place in our community. Failure to act jeopardises not only our safety and security but also the very fabric of our society. As the saying goes, ‘united we stand; divided we fall,’” he emphasised.
Police spokesperson in Wentworth Captain Mbuso Gumede stated that the police are conducting routine patrols in hotspot areas. He affirmed that arrests have been made, and the perpetrators accused of terrorising communities are being dealt with accordingly.
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