Concern over crime crippling Eastwood

Escalating gun violence, theft of copper piping and petty crimes are crippling residents who live in Eastwood. Residents are growing increasingly concerned that the crime rate will soon spiral out of control.

Gun violence has claimed several lives in the past two months, two through hijackings and one from murder. In addition, the high incidence of cable and copper pipe theft in Cinderella Park is continuing to cause regular power cuts in the area.

Nathan Adams, a resident of Eastwood, said that gun violence and theft is a topic that can no longer be ignored as it has become a constant threat to breadwinners in the community.

"Gun violence is such a broad topic. The spotlight should focus on our justice system and correctional services. If perpetrators find it so simple to kill somebody over something like a cellphone, it makes one think that they're okay with whatever consequences come their way. My question is, do we have an adequate deterrent in the justice system? [Something that will] make perpetrators think twice?" asked Adams.

Adams said that the average person is struggling to make ends meet each month. To add to their problems, they now have to regularly replace copper pipes or taps.

"If a pensioner's copper pipe is stolen, they will struggle to replace it. I think SAPS needs to come on board. What we need to do is cut off the buyer. The only reason why these thieves steal is because they know some scrapyard will buy from them. SAPS needs to be harsher when it comes to legal and illegal scrapyards," said Adams.

ANC Ward 34 councillor, Roy Ram, proposed that the community hold an indaba to discuss these issues.

"We have major problems with street kids who steal copper and then sell the stolen items. We need the illegal scrapyards to close with immediate effect," said Ram.

Lester Smith, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Greater Cinderella Park Association, said theft, especially copper and petty theft, is crippling the neighbourhood.

"This has been an ongoing problem for many years. We have reported it to our council, as well as to the Department of Water and Sanitation, but our requests have fallen on deaf ears," said Smith.

Smith added that the community has started a petition to get the illegal scrapyards removed in Cinderella Park.

Valentine Hammond, director at MIT Security Solutions, said to keep the community safe, more community members need to come on board and unite in a collective effort to fight crime in the area.

"People need to play an active role by being part of the Whatsapp groups, such as Community Policing Forum groups, to assist SAPS. This will give us extra pairs of eyes in the neighbourhood to ensure criminals are detected," he said.

Hammond added that residents must make sure that all their valuables are out of sight inside and outside homes.

"Thieves walk around looking for what they can see from the outside. With regard to copper theft, people should consider changing from copper pipes to polycop, or they can simply paint the copper pipes to match the colour of their homes," said Hammond.

Hammond added that security companies can also help by installing alarm systems which will act as an early warning system.

"I'd also like to urge residents to please put numbers on their gates or walls of their homes. Please ensure that these numbers are visible, as it is very difficult to find a house that isn't numbered in an emergency," Hammond said.

Pietermaritzburg police spokesperson, Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, also urged residents to report any firearms that are not safely guarded in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

"Firearms that belong to deceased persons must be reported immediately or handed over to the police, as most of these firearms end up getting stolen and become illegal firearms.

"Always keep guns in a safe place, thus reducing easy access to the youth and individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others," said Gwala.

Gwala added that all community members must assist the police by reporting all illegal firearms.

He also highlighted some of the ways in which copper theft can be thwarted. He urged scrap metal dealers to follow the rules regarding their operations.

"According to the bylaws, they are to operate on industrial sites and not in residential areas. They must ensure they keep areas well-lit where copper is visible. They must have secure areas with additional fencing or gates.

"Painting copper reduces its value; hence it may act as a deterrent. Residents can also install a colour or metal cover over the copper," said Gwala.