OVERPORT Ratepayers Association (ORA) has expressed deep concern over the fatal shooting on Crescent Street near East St Park over the weekend.

Abdool Valodia, chairperson of ORA, shared, “This incident is totally unacceptable. A public park should be a safe space for families, children, and residents to enjoy, not a site of violence and criminal activity. Such events erode the sense of safety and security that all residents of Overport deserve.

“Compounding this tragedy is the growing influx of homeless people into our area, alongside so-called car guards and drug traffickers who operate openly on our streets and in public spaces. These issues have significantly contributed to the persistently high crime rate in our ward, creating an environment of fear and lawlessness.”

Also read: Overport rocked by fatal shooting incident

Valodia continued, “Overport residents are tired of living with escalating violence, including gang-related activities and drug dealing that threaten daily life. This latest shooting highlights the urgent need for immediate and sustained police intervention to restore law and order.”

In conclusion, Valodia said, “As the association, we stand ready to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and local government to address these challenges. However, we cannot accept the status quo of escalating violence, disorder, and neglect in our neighbourhoods. Our residents pay rates and taxes and have every right to expect a safer, cleaner, and more secure environment.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support efforts to reclaim our streets and public spaces. The safety and security remain a priority for the ORA, noting further recent attempted hijackings, organised robbery, and petty theft in the Greater Overport area.”

Also read: Fatal shooting in Berea after alleged altercation with police

ORA has called on SAPS, CPF, eThekwini Municipality, and relevant authorities to: increase visible policing and patrols in high-risk areas, including public parks and streets in the area; address the influx of the homeless, unauthorised car guards, and drug trafficking through targeted operations and enforcement; prioritise resources to tackle the root causes of crime in the ward, including proper management of public spaces; engage directly with community leaders and ratepayers to develop and implement effective crime prevention strategies; and to ensure swift investigations into the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.

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