As reported last month by the Brakpan Herald, the Tweedy Park Old Age Home recently received a donation of solar floodlights installed for security due to the increase in crime within the complex in recent months.

Unfortunately, what was meant to protect the vulnerable elderly residents now seems to have made them an even bigger target, as several of the lights have been stolen.

The lights, which were bolted to high points to make them difficult to reach or remove without detection, were simply broken off at the bolts and taken without effort or noise.

Now, with the festive season looming, crime is expected to increase, and the residents fear for their lives.

“Are they (the City of Ekurhuleni) only going to do something when one of us is murdered?” asked Gert Smit (68), one of the residents of the cottages.

“The break-ins and thefts need to stop. The CCC offices need to make a plan.”

On top of the ongoing security concerns, maintenance to the property is also an ongoing bother.

“They don’t fix anything, even when the contracts we signed to move in say they will, we have to fix things out of our own pocket.

“I cut the grass in the corner, and my neighbours cut their portion. We pay for that; it’s supposed to be the metro’s job,” Gert continues.

“Now we’re in the dark again, we can’t see anything at night,” said another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“When you go to the offices, they just tell you they can’t do anything. Why are they earning a salary then, if they can’t do anything?

“They broke the wall again,” said one of the residents whose wheels were stolen off their vehicle. We elderly people have nothing, and now they want to take everything we have, they don’t do anything for us.

“They don’t cut the grass, even on the sidewalk, and you can see the rats and mice running out of the bush on the sidewalk.

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“It’s coming up to snake season, and I’m so scared a snake will come out of these bushes and bite me in my sleep.”

The City of Ekurhuleni was approached for comment on October 1, which was followed up on October 6, and again on October 20.

After October 20, the response received was that the relevant departments were engaged, but no updates have been received.

A follow-up request regarding the maintenance and security issues was sent again on November 19, but by the time of going to print, none had been received.