Murder, hijacking, alleged attempted kidnapping, and rife drug dealing – and no, this is not a Quentin Tarantino movie but a fact of life in Lewisham and Mindalore.
On June 14 de facto community leader Pastor Corrie Havenga candidly discussed the myriad of problems that these two suburbs face. Just the previous day at least four housebreakings took place in a 1,5km radius – two in Edward Street, one in Morcom Street, and one in Lewis Street. The incidents took place between 15:00 and 15:30, and were allegedly committed by two armed thugs in a new white VW Jetta.
“What amazes me and makes me wonder is that at that time the streets are quite busy, especially Edward Street, yet those criminals went on their spree unbothered,” said Havenga who is also one of the founders of an informal neighbourhood watch that patrols the streets at night. “The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) is struggling due to a lack of manpower and financial resources. There is not even money for fuel for them to patrol. But we now want to encourage our patrollers from the neighbourhood watch to join the CPF and help them,” said Havenga before he took the News on a tour to point out what he believed to be the problem areas that empower criminals in their illegal endeavours.
High on this list are the veld, and out-of-control bushes along Station and Surrey Streets as well as a number of abandoned properties all over the area which serve as hiding places for the criminal element.
They attack and then escape into the bushes and veld along these streets. And it’s impossible for us to catch them or prevent attacks. Another problem that contributes to the violent crime in the area is the activities of the zama zamas,” explained Havenga, adding, “And of course everyone knows that the drug problem in the area is huge.”
Havenga said the community has repeatedly appealed to the authorities to put up a fence or barricade of sorts along these streets.
Havenga also told the News that about two weeks ago a resident walking in the street was shot three times and robbed before he died. This was confirmed by other community members.
Another female role player, who did not want to be identified, confirmed what Havenga said and added more incidents to the list which include more attacks in the Mindalore area, the alleged kidnapping and another shooting (not fatal). “Recently, shots fired by the zama zamas and their detonating dynamite at all hours have also caused residents great stress,” she said.
All those who spoke to the News asked the same question: “Where are the police?”
Havenga ended on a slightly more positive note. “We want people to know two things. Yes, our community is fed up. But. We are doing something about it and are not just sitting back and complaining.”
The News is in the process of obtaining comment from other role players such as the police and Sector 9 CPF.
Anyone who wants to get involved and/ or help patrol can contact Havenga on 083 230 8454.
