Residents get proactive against prostitution

The community of Observatory has had enough of the prostitution in their neighbourhood and has decided to take a pro-active approach in dealing with the challenge.

Residents have put up posters, warning men of the possible consequences of seeking the services of prostitutes.

Mr Joseph Dube, the secretary for the Yeoville Community Police Forum’s Sector 3, said the aim of the posters is to deter potential clients.

“We just want to warn the men that when they come here they must know that people are watching and are fully aware of their activities,” said Mr Dube. He said the aim was to make the men consider the consequences of their actions.

The problem of prostitution in the area is an old one. Some residents say the problem started over 10 years ago.

“It started, then slowed down, but eventually it just became a part of the local identity. Our suburb has become synonymous with all the wrong things,” said Mrs Agnes Loubscher, a resident of Observatory for over 15 years.

The prostitutes are unconcerned, often standing on the road and exposing themselves to passing motorists. There have been several confrontations between residents and home owners, who complain that the prostitutes are looking for clients too close to their homes.