Escalating crimes in Elandsfontein getting worse – Residents fear
With bodies being discovered almost weekly, residents have described the violence as the “new normal,” leaving many paralysed by fear and unable to go about their daily lives.
The community of Elandsfontein has voiced growing concern over the escalating crime levels in their area.
With bodies being discovered almost weekly, residents described the violence as the ‘new normal’, leaving many paralysed by fear and unable to go about their daily lives.
Some said the crime rate is at an all-time high.
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On 9 April, residents awoke to another horrifying discovery – two bodies in a yard on Vlakvark Street, hidden in the boot of a vehicle belonging to one of the victims.
This gruesome incident has led the Bedfordview SAPS to open a case of double homicide.
Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Lillian Modiga said the victims, two African men had fatal gunshot wounds.
“The property owner, who noticed the car parked near the gate with its windows open, discovered the bodies.
Upon closer inspection, blood was dripping from the boot, which led to the forced opening of the vehicle.
One victim, known to the property owner, had gunshot wounds to the left side of his eye and chest.
The second victim had injuries to his forehead, beneath his eye, and a bullet wound on his ribs,” explained Modiga.
Inside the car, police discovered a knife and an okapi (pocket knife) in the pocket of one victim.
A woman’s bra was also found tied around the waist of the known victim.
Ward Clr Kade Guerreiro said there appears to be organised crime at play in Elandsfontein.
“We are dealing with syndicates stealing fuel and starting fires.
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These are some challenges in our community.
Over the past few weeks, I have been alerted to three serious incidents, including a violent shooting,” he said.
He added bodies were discovered near a local high school, with another shooting incident occurring along the school’s boundary.
“Our community is terrified. The Community Policing Forum (CPF) does what it can. The police respond when they can.
“The key problem is our police station is far too small. Bedfordview Police Station serves an extensive area,” said Guerreiro.
“This lack of visible policing means many residents turn a blind eye to crime for their safety.
As the councillor I was warned not to go near certain properties or speak out about specific issues because of safety concerns.”
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Regarding the latest double murder, he stated, “Considering the ongoing problems with syndicates, I would not be surprised if this incident is linked to these.
“We must also consider our surrounding areas Primrose, informal settlements, the Simmer and Jack landfill, and Meadowdale, which has zama zama activity. These are all contributing factors.”
Guerreiro described the area as densely populated and living in fear.
He noted the recent murder was not reported on any of their usual community platforms.
“Ultimately, the police are failing to serve the greater good of the community.
“It is only when something is reported that they act, but this is not a proactive way to tackle crime.
“If we take the fuel theft syndicates as an example; they operate openly and without fear, 24/7.
“You see individuals walking around with 25l fuel containers. They are not afraid of the police or the community.
This brazen behaviour is making residents increasingly fearful,” he said.
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Residents who spoke to the NEWS echoed these sentiments, saying they lock themselves indoors from 17:00 and are afraid to walk the streets, even during the day, with their phones in hand – something Guerreiro also confirmed.
“Criminals are winning.
“Even the zama zamas are well-organised and heavily armed. They know what they are doing.
“The bigger question is: has the Bedfordview Police Station flagged Elandsfontein as a crime hotspot? Have they escalated the matter at the provincial level to demand urgent intervention?
“As a community, we submitted a petition to Parliament in 2023, requesting a satellite police station in the area.”
The motive behind the killings remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Modiga urged the public with information, to contact Bedfordview SAPS on 011 457 2299 or 011 457 2301.
