Thugs target city’s smallholdings
Uncertain times highlighted by a hike in job losses due to the Coronavirus outbreak, are said to have contributed to smallholdings on the city outskirts becoming thugs’ latest target after a number of crimes have been reported, causing Community Policing Forums (CPF) to remain on high alert at all times.
Areas hardest hit since the beginning of June include Doornbult, Soetdorings and Kareebosch where CPF Chairperson, Bennie Henning issued a stern warning to residents to be vigilant day and night.
“A number of burglaries, theft and alleged poaching have been reported since the beginning of the month with the latest more serious incident on Friday evening when an elderly woman was overpowered in her home and robbed at Kareebosch,” Henning said.
He explained that a 67-year-old woman was watching television when five men gained access to her property by cutting the fence and entered through a door which was not locked.
Henning remarked that two of the suspects
were armed with a firearm and a machete.
“They overpowered the woman and tied her hands with the wire from a fly swatter, demanding she lie on the floor with her face down.
One of the suspects reportedly told her to remain on the floor for 15 minutes after which she could search for help,” Henning said.
The suspects fled the scene with, among others, a gas stove, microwave oven and other household items with the victim subsequently approaching the landowner for help.
Henning indicated that according to tracks found within close proximity of the smallholding, it seems that the suspects loaded the stolen goods onto a bakkie which was parked nearby.
Another concerning matter in the area includes the apprehension of a suspect for alleged theft and poaching after he was found in possession of material used to set a trap for animals.
Furthermore, at least two incidents of housebreaking in progress were also reported, resulting in CPF members mobilising quickly in an effort to apprehend the suspects.
“During one of the incidents while we were scouting the bush we came across stolen cables, a backpack and clothes with a reflector jacket. We also discovered a battery with electrical wires mounted to a tree which seems to have been some kind of homemade detonator,” Henning said.
Regular reports of theft, attempted theft and cutting of fences also spill over to other smallholdings such as Leeuwkuil where CPF Chairperson,
Paul Venter had to come up with innovative ways of protecting residents and their property.
Venter confirmed regular similar incidents where residents have become the victims of burglars and thieves.
“We had to come up with measures to not only curb crime but to ensure a quicker response from the CPF and a bigger chance of apprehending suspects. I embarked on an initiative of buying wireless alarm systems through the CPF fund and installing it for our members at no cost. Members only pay a R100 per month service fee. When the system is triggered it automatically calls and SMS the relevant people capable of responding within minutes,” Venter said.
Thus far, 40 alarms have been installed in the area. The system is ideal for elderly residents as it comes with a panic button not only for crime-related incidents but for medical emergencies as well, according to Venter.
He added that members are currently building a specialised vehicle which will be used as a patrol and reaction vehicle.
Provincial Police Communications Head, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident of the elderly woman on Kareebosch and referred to another incident at Eersteling which occurred last Thursday.
No arrests have been made in either incidents and anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Pheme at 072 294 4760 or Detective Warrant Officer Matsaung at 079 975 2529.