South Durban residents are fighting back against violent crimes
The South Durban community of Merebank is rallying the residents to launch a fight back campaign against a recent spike of violent criminal attacks on this established suburb.
A community under siege of violent crimes – including a physical assault on an elderly woman – has triggered community leaders into action, with Yusuf Vawda and Naresh Singh urging fellow anti-crime activists and the community “to take back their streets.” “We refuse to be sitting ducks for these marauding criminals,’’ Vawda told the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid this week. “Fighting crime has become a partnership with the residents and businesses following a spate of recent criminal activities in the Merebank Ridge area. Concerned residents are calling for an increased police visibility presence and community participation,’’ he said.
The new crime focus alertness follows a brutal attack of an elderly woman in Buldana Road on the ridge overlooking the Engen Oil Refinery and Treasure Beach. “Luckily, neighbours came to the woman’s assistance after a gang of robbers raided her home by breaking the kitchen door and found the helpless victim with a nasty gash on her head. “The neighbours acted quickly and activated their panic alarm. The ageing resident heard the commotion and walked out from the front of her house. “The suspects were furious and accosted her and pushed her down the bank. She sustained an injury on her head and was severely traumatised,” recounted Vawda. “Neighbours need to look out for each other. They must be the eyes and ears for families living around them. It was an alert neighbour that saved the elderly resident from greater harm. Families must keep in touch with older people living alone. It is sad that our elderly residents are subjected to such horrific deeds,” said Vawda.
Private security companies, Blue Security, Vault, PT Alarms Tactical Unit and PT Ambulance Service, had responded swiftly to the crime scene. Ambulance first responders treated the victim without any charge. Crime-buster Naresh Singh, who keeps residents informed and mobilises voluntary assistance, said a shop was robbed of goods by three suspects: “The suspects were brazen and pounced on the shop-owner during the day. They grabbed items off the shelves and fled. These thugs target homes and shops. They have no fear and are ruthless in their attacks.”
“We are grateful to dedicated community members who give off their time. Security companies are usually the first responders in striving to keep us safe. As residents, we have to protect our homes and families, but we cannot do it alone. We need strong partnerships to help us in this battle against the criminals.” The community activists have called on the Wentworth SAPS to increase police visibility in the suburb. “This will prove to be a good deterrent for criminals. Currently, we are thankful to the private security and response units that patrol the area and they work closely with residents to keep our community safe. “We have seen arrests and recoveries of vehicles and this is the partnership that helps to keep our community protected in the face of these challenges,” said Vawda. Wentworth Police spokesman Captain Mbuso Gumede could not be reached for comment on these incidents and recent crime trends in the previously Indian-zoned suburb.
