Jozi suburb under attack

MODUS OPERANDI: CROOKS QUESTION DOMESTIC WORKERS, CHILDREN

Gillview residents have had enough and plan to erect fence to block access.

More than 30 dogs have been poisoned in the south of Johannesburg suburb of Gillview since February. Notable streets targeted include Trevor, Zena, Sonia, Erica and Hilary.

Gillview Unite Group (GUG) said crime had reached unprecedented levels in the area. Following the poisoning of dogs, gate motors, sound systems, mag wheels, car batteries and numerous other items have been stolen.

The group said it looks as though a new syndicate has arrived in the area. Their modus operandi, the group says, is to either question domestic workers or children about the occupants of properties.

On May 4, one of GUG members was followed home from the bank by three males in a white Toyota Corolla. He said they demanded the money he had just withdrawn. Fortunately, other group members saw what was happening and alerted the group. The security company responded and the suspected criminals only managed to get a cellphone before fleeing the scene.

The residents of Gillview have had enough and are demanding that a fence be erected to block access to or from the nearby highway, as the criminals are using it as an entry and escape route into and from the area.

Criminals often use the unkempt substation in Sonia Street as their hideout.

One group member said: “We all know that SA Police Service is overloaded and in order to lessen its load and secure our neighbourhood, this fence is of utmost urgency. “On behalf of the residents of Gillview, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to TPS Security for always going the extra mile and always looking out for each and every one of us, irrespective of to which security company we belong to.”

Natasha Englund of TPS Security said they agreed with the community to put up the fence. “Our priority is the safety of the community and working together with them.”

Booysens police communications officer Captain Lorraine van Emmerik responded to comments from concerned residents.

“This office is aware of the dog poisoning as the cases were opened at the station,” she said.

“We also went and checked the information there have been numerous cases opened at Booysens Saps from house break-ins, theft and malicious damage to property.

“Booysens Saps cannot, however, confirm if a new syndicate has moved into the Gillview area. This office has, on numerous occasions, with the help of Southern Courier, printed warnings about people pretending to do work and asking access to homes.

“The fact that the community wants to erect a fence is a good idea and this must be applied for via City and Parks, as they are in charge of this.”

Death by poisoning is the most inhumane way to kill an animal. Aldicarb, also known as Two Step or Temik, is most commonly used to poison dogs.

The number of animals poisoned with illegally obtained poisons has increased steadily in recent years. Criminals often use these illegal poisons to kill dogs before committing crime, such as breaking in or motor vehicle theft.

It is advised that all poison cases be reported to the local police, with a request for them to investigate the case and remove any suspected poison residues/bait from the property. Poisoning animals is a crime.

Two Step is identified by its small black granular appearance. The poison almost looks like poppy seeds. It is extremely toxic and will poison any human or animal that comes into contact with it.

Criminals usually put it in meat so that dogs consume it.

A poisoned dog will begin to convulse and look as if worms are crawling on the body. The dog will vomit, drool and its pupils may change.

Saps can’t confirm if a new syndicate has moved in