Murder cases raise concerns among Primrose residents

Primrose Sector Two residents voiced concerns about safety after two murder cases were recently reported in the area, prompting calls for urgent action to address the security situation.

Harland Quin, a Gerdview resident, highlighted the area’s poor accessibility to services and the city’s neglect of essential infrastructure, such as non-functioning streetlights.

Quin also cited incidents, including a fatal shooting on Elberfield Avenue and a break-in on Amsterdam Street, underscoring residents’ vulnerability.

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Tracy Enslin, the chairperson of the Primrose CPF, confirmed the shooting incident, further amplifying worries in the community.

Subsequently, on March 22, another person fell victim to a fatal home invasion and robbery on Juniper Avenue, Homestead, as reported by Quin via WhatsApp.

He emphasised the prolonged inaction of authorities despite repeated pleas for repairs and increased police presence.

Anna Marie Victor, the chairperson of the Sector Two CPF, echoed the concerns about rising crime levels, citing a recent surge in house robberies ending tragically.

She lamented the delayed police response due to staffing and vehicle shortages, noting the unprecedented spike in murder cases.

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Victor stressed the need for community involvement in crime prevention efforts, urging residents to join the CPF to bolster security measures.

With limited resources and manpower, she acknowledged the challenges faced in patrolling the vast sector effectively.

In response to mounting grievances, Zweli Dlamini, the spokesperson for the CoE, assured residents of the city’s commitment to addressing streetlight repairs.

Dalmini emphasised the city’s ongoing efforts to tackle reported complaints, including those from Gerdview, and outlined plans to engage service providers for necessary repairs.

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The residents were encouraged to follow up on logged complaints through the city’s call centre as Dlamini reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing safety measures in the affected areas.

As Sector Two grapples with escalating crime and deteriorating infrastructure, community collaboration and swift intervention from authorities are deemed imperative to restoring peace and security in the embattled neighbourhoods.