The day I became just another statistic

Vacant erven that stay undeveloped are an unnecessary security risk, writes SC Cilliers.

On Friday at 12.45am I became an additional statistic of the unending crime wave when my home was broken into and I was assaulted. Fortunately, the only loss was an old TV set, for which I received a few lumps on my head.

I wish to commend the police for their prompt response and professional behaviour, in spite of the time of night. I received a case number less than three hours after the incident.

My house resides next to two vacant erven, which have not been developed since the original homes were demolished in 1994 to make way for a parking area.

As we know, criminals are attracted to areas such as this and I have, for some time now, attempted to ascertain the reasons from the City of Joburg as to why:

The area has not been developed; and

The area remains undeveloped.

However, both the mayor of Joburg – which is responsible for the orderly development of the city – Mpho Phalatse, as well as the councillor for ward 84, Johannes Goosen, are, despite numerous requests, unable or unwilling to supply me with the answers to the above questions.

Crime prevention is something we should all take seriously, especially our political leaders.