Recent home invasions, accompanied by brutality and rape, have left the community of Dundee afraid, vulnerable and reeling in shock.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 2 Councillor Naresh Gopie has spoken out about the increased number of house burglaries and general crime. “High-profile crime in Endumeni has escalated to unimaginable levels,” says Cllr Gopie.
He also explained that, to add insult to injury, the local police have been absent during these ‘violations’. He added that the community has been left in the dark, traumatised and desolate.
“A recent visit was paid to Dundee police station to enquire why the station has perimeter fencing around the building; the access gate to the charge office is permanently locked at night, denying the public of their right to safety and security; and the telephone is never answered during night shifts.
“These questions were met with a very weak response,” explained Cllr Gopie.
According to the councillor, private individuals and private security companies have taken the initiative to protect themselves, their businesses, property and the community at large.
“The recent spate of home and business invasions is highly concerning. I recently spoke to a female resident who was followed into her home by a perpetrator who demanded cash and valuables with a knife placed to her throat. Her cry for help from our local police station was met with a grim response: ‘Sorry, we do not have a vehicle’.
“These serious and violent crimes are perpetuated on a daily basis.”
He further explained that social media groups have been inundated with pleas for safety and security, and taxpayers feel they have been compromised to a great extent. People have lost total faith in the Ministry of Police and the Judiciary.
The ripple effects of crime in Dundee have seen an increasing decline in the town’s tourism sector as well, he says.
“Poorly trained officers often contaminate evidence at a crime scene, or the expertise to skilfully collect evidence for a successful conviction is absent,” said Cllr Gopie.
He also questioned how many serious cases handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department were given to junior investigating officers who are ‘clueless’, with no experience, and subsequently these cases do not make the court roll because of incompetence.
“The DA invites all individuals who have fallen victim to crime or have been failed by our justice system to come forward and present your cases to establish why your case has been struck off the court roll.”
He said that the above practice does not conform with the constitution and directly infringes upon every individual’s constitutional right to safety and security.
Cllr Gopie concluded by saying that the ‘copious serious crimes perpetrated in Dundee are beyond the SAPS’s control, which provides the community with a clear indication that they are under-resourced and incapacitated’.
According to Cllr Gopie, this could bring our local SAPS under direct administration.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
