Cato Manor police have urged residents to be the eyes and ears of the police following a spate of break-ins at municipal libraries and clinics where a number of computers were stolen.
On Thursday morning, 29 April, a group of men broke-in at the Chesterville Library and fled with eight computers and two towers. The library was closed temporarily as their services required computers, which had been stolen. Another break-in took place at the Chesterville Clinic and a computer was taken. The break-in at the library was not the first. Last year five computers were stolen. Residents said they have had enough of the burglaries as they have a negative impact on the development of the community. Community member, Michael Hlatshwayo, said unemployed residents use the library. “I personally type and print my curriculum vitae there as I am job hunting. I cannot afford to go to an internet cafe. When the library has no computers, it means that the disadvantaged community do not have access to computers. The selfish thugs who steal computers at community service centres need to be arrested.”
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said the City was aware of the recent burglaries at two Chesterville libraries. The matter has been handed over to the police who are investigating. We appeal to anyone who might have information on these crimes to please report the matter to the nearest police station. We call upon all residents to help us stop this scourge and protect these resources as the libraries and the equipment are for the betterment of our communities, especially our youth who use the library for education and work opportunities.” Cato Manor SAPS communications officer, Captain C.A Sibiya, said residents need to work with the police to ensure thieves are arrested. “We need residents to be the eyes and ears of the police in order to ensure that the people involved in the break-ins are behind bars,” he said. He said they will have a meeting with residents to discuss a way forward and build community structures that will help combat the burglaries. “We are investigating cases of business break-in and theft following the incidents,” said Sibiya.
