Danger lurks at every corner
Mitchells Plain residents in fear of criminal attacks
RESIDENTS of Mitchells Plain who pass through the Town Centre at night are fearing for their lives, with many being robbed at gunpoint while on their way home. Despite the area being guarded by security guards, residents say they still feel unsafe.
Mitchells Plain has been rated as the worst precinct in South Africa by Crime Stats SA in 2016, experiencing the largest number of reported crimes.
Robbery and assault are among the greatest contributors.
“The Mitchells Plain police department has deployed 10 police officers to the area every night,” Mitchells Plain police station commander Brigadier Cas Goolam said. “The Town Centre is a hotspot for crime. The issue of security has been one of our major concerns. Mitchells Plain is a big area. We can only do so much.”
Residents, however, are fed up and say they want a safer environment. “People’s lives are at risk and nothing is being done about this situation,” said one commuter, who asked that her identity be withheld.
Rochelle Scholtz works at a hotel at the V&A Waterfront and often works late shifts. “When my shift ends at 5pm, I have to wait for the work’s transport. This is an extra expense for me. If I take the bus or taxi, I will get home late, and I would rather not risk my life. Those bridges are life-threatening traps,” she said.
This reporter was also a victim of crime in the vicinity, being robbed of her cellphone at gunpoint while five security guards looked on.
Goolam said the unfortunate situation of some commuters was beyond their control.
“There has been instances where security guards have been arrested because they were accomplices to crimes happening in the area. We would like to assure the community we are doing everything possible to ensure they are protected,” said Goolam.
(Ward councilor Eddie Andrews was approached for comment, but by deadline failed to do so as he had promised)