Pretoria West violent crime rising
Pretoria West residents are concerned about a significant increase in violent crime.
Residents are worried about increasing violence in attacks in Pretoria West and surrounding areas.
This follows after a number of robberies where homeowners were assaulted or murdered.
Close to 10 attacks have been reported in the last three months where victims had been shot or assaulted at night.
Residents say a lack of police response was the reason why crime has escalated in the area.
Last month, residents of Danville started their own patrolling campaign to keep the community safe.
Pretoria West community policing forum chairman Thesigan Pillay said he was disappointed at the police failure to manage crime levels.
Proclamation Hill resident Nadia Henrico said criminals flourish in the tall grass and break into their houses during the day when everyone is at work.
The following crimes have been reported so far this year:
– On Thursday a businessman was shot dead in the west of Pretoria.
– Last month, Nico Ras was shot and killed in his Kameeldrift home by four unknown men.
– A police officer in Danville was shot and wounded in his home during an attempted robbery in March.
– In February Wicus Scheepers was shot twice and stabbed by robbers in Pretoria West but his bulletproof vest saved him.
– In the same month Best Care ambulance services owner Kobus Bester was attacked during a robbery in Van der Hoff Road near Hartbeespoort. He was in his car when a white VW Golf with blue police lights pulled him over.
– A week earlier, a motorist who had a passenger with him, had his vehicle hijacked on Van der Hoff Road near Ten Rooms. These hijackers were also driving a white VW Golf and got away with all the valuables in the car.
Police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimango said police were doing everything they could to fight crime.
“We are appealing the community to keep in contact with us, if they suspect anything they can always call us,” Msimango said.
He also offered the following tips for motorists driving at night:
– If you suspect somebody is following you, do not go straight home. Phone the police or go to the nearest garage.
– If you find people at your gate, do not enter the property. Call the police and they will accompany you.
– Always ensure your property is well-lit on the outside.
Also read:
Best Care owner brutally attacked in robbery
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