Residents in Erasmusrand, Waterkloof and surrounding areas say they are increasingly concerned about their safety following a string of burglaries, robberies and a recent shooting during a home invasion.

The latest incident, in which a 49-year-old man was shot multiple times during an alleged home invasion on August 3, has intensified concerns among residents about safety in the area.

Resident Suresh Basdew said he did not feel safe in the area and claimed he had personally experienced crime on more than one occasion.

“I had personally reported incidents including home invasions, multiple business robberies, vehicle theft and hijackings,” said Basdew.

Basdew said he had raised concerns about crime, while other residents had also brought their concerns to authorities.

He said there appeared to be recurring patterns in the incidents and called for greater co-operation between residents, police and specialised law-enforcement units.

“Teamwork is essential. Specialists should be involved where necessary; for example, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] has a unit that can trace and triangulate cellphone activity.

“Every SAPS station should also share information about current crimes in its area so that communities and law-enforcement agencies can identify patterns and respond more effectively,” he said.

Basdew also questioned whether official crime figures accurately reflected residents’ experience.

He referred to incidents where suspects allegedly attempted to commit crimes but were disturbed or prevented from completing them.

Basdew said a trailer had recently been stolen and an attempted housebreaking had occurred in which suspects allegedly failed to gain entry.

“So when they come to steal and get disturbed or thwarted, [does] it count as [a] decrease [in crime rates] because no case was opened?”

Business owner Lucy Pereira said concerns about crime extended beyond residents and affected businesses operating in the area.

Pereira’s family has operated a business in the area for more than 32 years.

Although she does not live in the area, she said she works there seven days a week for about 12 hours a day and regards it as her home.

She said her business experienced a major break-in in 2023, resulting in a loss of about R300 000.

Pereira said she had since heard from numerous residents about armed robberies, cable theft, and other break-ins.

She said police arrived about an hour after her robbery to take a statement, while forensic investigators arrived about 24 hours later.

However, she said she had received no further feedback regarding the case.

Pereira said she now pays for two armed-response companies because she opens and closes the business alone.

“The only reason why I feel safe is that I am forced to pay for two armed-response companies,” she said.

While residents and businesses have raised concerns, Brooklyn CPF Sector 4 chairperson Mike Michaelides said burglaries in the area had remained relatively constant.

However, he acknowledged that the recent shooting had changed the intensity of residents’ concerns.

“Crime in our area has remained consistent concerning burglaries, although we had an incident which involved a shooting, so the intensity has changed,” said Michaelides.

He said the CPF had received reports of nine incidents since August 1.

According to Michaelides, the reported burglaries generally follow a similar pattern, with two to three armed individuals allegedly targeting homes for valuables or weapons.

He said petty theft, including gas bottles being stolen from patios, was also reported.

“The CPF uses Telegram groups to communicate with residents and keep them informed about crime-related incidents and developments.”

Michaelides said the CPF was also preparing to roll out an artificial intelligence-enabled CCTV initiative in Sector 4. The first set of cameras was expected to be installed this week.

He urged residents to support the security measures being introduced and to work together with community structures.

“Crime is not fought by one man alone,” said Michaelides.

The concerns come after SAPS confirmed that a case of attempted murder had been opened following a shooting during a home invasion in the area.

SAPS spokesperson Johan van Dyk said no property was taken and no suspects had been arrested at this stage.

“All available leads and exhibits are being thoroughly investigated,” said Van Dyk.

He said police were following up on all information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

Despite the concerns raised by residents and the CPF, Van Dyk said reported crime had decreased from April 1 to date compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

He attributed the positive trend to intensified patrols and targeted crime-prevention operations in identified hotspots.

Van Dyk said police would continue maintaining a visible police presence and conducting focused operations to prevent and combat crime in affected areas.

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