A recent spike in violent crime, including two alleged murders, has left residents and business owners alarmed and questioning police effectiveness in the area.

On November 2, the Krugersdorp News reported that Enough Chavalala (25) was stabbed to death on Luipaard Street after an attempted cellphone robbery. His brother, Nyko Chavalala, said the family has received no clear updates from the police.

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“We have opened a case with the police; however, they tell us that no arrests have been made despite some witnesses and community members expressing that they know who the perpetrators are,” he said.

Ward 20 councillor Mark Trump confirmed that the CBD records the highest crime rate in Mogale City.

“Robberies, attempted murder and gender-based violence are the most prevalent in the area. They will continue to get worse if the police do not act,” he said.

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Business owners say constant theft and vandalism are driving them to increase security or relocate.

Adnan Khaled, who owns an electronics store, said:

“We have people coming into the store in large groups, stealing items such as cellphones and chargers. It’s very stressful working here because many businesses are leaving due to the losses they make because of crime.”

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Boetie Bhailia, a hardware store owner, added:

“We have to spend thousands of rands because our property was damaged due to people trying to break in and steal from us. The police do not seem to care about assisting us when we open cases.”

Despite ongoing complaints, Station Commander Brigadier Happy Xaba previously told Krugersdorp News that crime is not an issue in the CBD. The police did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.