Raisethorpe crime spike concerns residents
Residents living in the Khan Road informal settlement in Raisethorpe say they are not the ones responsible for the surge in crime at the corner of Dr Chota Motala and Khan roads, Pietermaritzburg.
Their comments follow claims that criminals run into the settlement after robbing people, prompting accusations that those who live there are behind the criminal activity.
Zinhle Ngcobo, who lives in the informal settlement, said it was unfair to blame them as, most of the time, the people who committed crimes were not from the area.
“Suspects who reside in the area, who were giving us a problem by robbing people, were arrested. It is quite concerning, though, to see the crime level continuing to escalate in the area. It would be much better if the settlement areas were fenced. We also feel unsafe in the settlements," she added.
Mountain Rise Community Policing Forum chairperson, Sham Govender, said they have created an awareness programme for those living in the area.
“Our appeal to people is to be extra careful and not to walk with cell phones in their hands and with large amounts of cash,” he added.
“This has been going on for years and multiple people have been arrested for these robberies. It reduced over time, but seems to be raising its head again.
“We need to educate people on basic safety, not only in this area, but the whole of Raisethorpe. We have had awareness campaigns in the Raisethorpe CBD already in the last few months, but we will be moving up closer to the Khan Road informal settlement.”
Mountain Rise police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Pancheal Singh, confirmed that there has been an increase in crime in the area.
“It fluctuates, but now it is on the rise. Mostly it's robberies, snatching of bags, theft and drug-related crimes,” he added.
“We have a team in place that is monitoring the situation. People need to be vigilant in what they do. They should avoid walking alone and walk in groups.”
Singh also urged people to keep their car windows up and doors locked when driving in the area.
“When carrying a bag avoid having a large amount of money, if you see something suspicious try and walk away. These robberies mostly occur during the day and in the afternoon. There have been arrests made,” he said.
Colin David, Mi7 National Group's spokesperson said the primary criminal activities in the area included robberies, housebreaking, vandalism, theft out of motor vehicles, and drug-related offenses.
"Furthermore, pedestrians who use the area as a thoroughfare often fall victim to assault or robbery,” said David.
He said his company had implemented a proactive strategy to increase patrols and surveillance measures in the Northern suburbs, including Khan Road, to deter criminal activities and apprehend suspects.
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