Moot business owners ‘fed up’ with crime
Moot residents agreed with international survey that Pretoria was the third most dangerous city in the world.
Moot business owners said they were tired and “fed up” with crime at their businesses and homes.
“Crime has increased tenfold in our area and it is costing us a lot of money to keep our homes and businesses safe,” said businessman Pieter Neetling.
On Wednesday, Neetling held a meeting with other business owners in Van Der Hoff Road.
He said crime was especially rife in the Hercules police precinct.
“After my wife and I were robbed in our house in 2019, I was forced to install 25 security cameras and other safety features at our home and business to keep us safe.”
Neetling said he was targeted by armed robbers on four different occasions in the past two years, and blames the police for not taking action and being ineffective.
Rekord sent an enquiry to Hercules police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimango on Thursday last week.
Msimango said on Tuesday that he was waiting on feedback from the provincial head office and at time of publication, no feedback was received.
Neetling and another business owner, Manie Steyn, said they agreed with a recent international survey that said Pretoria ranked the third most dangerous city in the word.
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“I’m surprised that Pretoria wasn’t ranked second or most dangerous city in the world,” said Steyn, who claimed he had also seen his “fair share” of crime.
On March 30 this year, a public meeting was held to address crime and allegations of corruption at the Hercules police station.
Ward councillor Frik van Wyk and DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, Michael Shackleton attended this meeting.
Shackleton said serious allegations of police dockets “disappearing” and other claims of corruption were discussed during the meeting.
“We have sent the minutes of the meeting to the provincial police commissioner and are awaiting feedback,” Shackleton told Rekord on Thursday.
Rekord also received a copy of the minutes sent to provincial commissioner Lt. General Elias Mawela on 7 April.
Neetling and his wife Heleen has now called on members of the community to join policing forums and watch groups to help curb crime.
“If we cannot rely on the police, then we must take action to safeguard our businesses and homes ourselves.”
Heleen said CPF sector 4 has had some success in providing more “visibility” and community patrols with their “green light” vehicles.
“These green light patrols, especially around the plots and residential areas, are making a huge difference. I really think more people could join the initiative to help make a difference.”
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