RESIDENTS in Anthony Crescent, Empangeni, are joining forces to rid the area of criminal activity that has plagued the street in recent weeks.
The problems, according to residents, started after a house was abandoned in 2011. Since then the abandoned property has been completely stripped and vandalised, becoming a haven for criminals.
In 2013 the police raided the house and arrested several wanted criminals.
But the house, according to Barrie Newmarch, is still full of rubbish with illegal occupants making fires against the walls to cook their food.
‘The place is a serious health hazard,’ he said.
Now residents have had enough and have approached the the municipality with a petition to take action.
To make matters worse, Anthony Crescent resident Eric Royal on Friday became the victim of a hijacking attempt.
When he returned home from work at 11pm, a VW Polo pulled up when he entered his driveway.
According to Royal a gunman jumped out of the Polo, ripped open his bakkie’s door and tried to pull him out, while two others tried to get in the passenger side.
‘I told them to take the bakkie but leave me alone, but the gunman said I was to stay with them.’ said Royal.
‘It was at this point I slammed the bakkie into gear, hit the hooter and shot down the driveway. Unfortunately the gunman was able to pistol whip me, hitting me six times on the head.’
Royal quickly pressed the close button for his automated gates and the hijackers fled, fearing being trapped inside the property.
