OWING to the alarming increase of rampant break-ins and robberies in the area, eNseleni community members have demanded police intervention to stop the uncontrollable crime wave sweeping the area.
This follows numerous reports of criminal activities in ward one and two near Tholokuhle High School last week.
Residents told Eyethu Bay Watch they were scared to leave their houses owing to the high incidence of crime.
‘Every time I go to work, I am afraid someone will break into my house. Just this year alone I have had five break-ins,’ said one resident.
They also blamed the police for allegedly ‘not following’ up on the cases after the residents reported them.
Ward 1 resident Joshua Tembe said criminals hacked off her kitchen door and took all her electronic appliances.
‘I was at work when it happened, and was shocked when I saw that they actually chopped down my door to gain access. I reported the matter to the police but no one came to help me, I didn’t even get a case number. My house have been targeted five times this year,’ said Tembe.
Nomthandazo Banda said she was still waiting for the case number regarding her mother’s killing in 2009.
Ward 2 house owner Mandla Thabethe said police patrols must be conducted in the area during the day and at night.
‘My car was stolen and I have had two break-ins already. Police should come up with a strategy, maybe have a their police vans visible on the streets,’ said Thabethe.
Empangeni police spokesperson, Captain Mbongiseni Mdlalose said residents should enquire at the police station about their case numbers.
‘Residents have the right to follow up on their cases. If the investigating officer is somehow slacking, they can contact Colonel Mdlalose, and the station commander. The police do what they can to avoid crime, we conduct night and daily patrols in all townships including eNseleni,’ he said.
