“Surge” in violent crime a concern in Centurion

Since the beginning of the year, Centurion has witnessed a troubling surge in crime, which has raised concern among residents and local authorities.

One significant concern is the recent spate of house robberies reported in various suburbs.

Fidelity ADT spokesperson Charnel Hattingh has warned homeowners to exercise caution, particularly on weekends.

She said six incidents were recorded in the past couple of weeks alone, with the affected suburbs including Lyttelton, Doornkloof, Wierdapark, Eldoraigne, and surrounding areas.

“We are noticing a shift in modus operandi, with suspects targeting homes during weekends when residents are at home and their alarm systems are not activated.

“The suspects often scout the area under the guise of seeking accommodation, and when homeowners open their doors, they are held at gunpoint,” she explained.

Hattingh emphasised the importance of knowing how to react in such situations.

“How you react when faced with a nervous, gun-toting criminal can save or cost you your life.

“All family members need to know what to do if uninvited guests come through the door intent on robbing you, or worse.”

A particularly tragic incident occurred on January 27 in Lyttelton Manor, where a couple who had put their home up for sale were murdered by a man allegedly pretending to be a prospective buyer.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk explained that the suspect had arranged a meeting with the homeowners.

“Once inside the house, the suspect executed his robbery plan.

“The occupants resisted, and during the altercation, the suspect, armed with a firearm and a knife, fatally stabbed two victims who succumbed to their wounds on the scene,” Van Dyk revealed.

The following day, police detectives located the suspect in possession of the vehicle used during the crime, a firearm, bloodstained clothing, and stolen property from the crime scene.

Just one day later, on January 28, another crime occurred in the Olievenhoutbosch area.

Tshwane Flying Squad spokesperson Alfred Legodi said officers acted on a tip-off about firearms stored at Segwagwa Cash n Carry on Salvation Street in Ext. 36.

“On arrival at the said address, officers were directed by security to two 12-gauge shotguns, one of which had been reported stolen at Wierdabrug SAPS and the other at Erasmia SAPS.”

He said a pellet gun with one magazine, three pellet rounds, and 12-gauge live rounds were also recovered, with the total value of the recovered firearms estimated at R40 000.

“All exhibits were handed over to the Olievenhoutbosch police.”

Legodi urged residents with information on the recovered firearms to contact the Olievenhoutbosch police station.

This growing trend of criminal activity is not limited to house robberies or violent incidents.

On January 23, 80-year-old Louis Naude was robbed of his bank card while paying for parking at Unitas Hospital.

Naude recounted how a suspect pretended to assist him, but instead snatched his card after observing his PIN.

“He was very persistent to help even after explaining to him that I knew what I was doing.

“He took my card from me and pretended to insert it back into the machine, but soon after he ran off.”

Two hospital staff members who witnessed the incident unfold assisted Naude inside the hospital.

“I quickly called my bank to have my card blocked.

“Luckily, because I called, I managed to prevent transactions around R32 000 from going through.”

This incident is part of a broader trend of rising crime in Centurion.

Chairperson of the Wierdabrug Sector 1 Community Police Forum (CPF) Daniel van Rooyen said that crimes including cable theft, trespassing, and vehicle theft are currently on the rise.

He emphasised the need for residents to secure their motorcycles and other items in their yards, which have become prime targets for thieves.

“The biggest issue at the moment is cable theft. In Valhalla, we had two incidents a couple of weeks ago where cables were stolen just days apart.”

Van Rooyen noted that the thieves use branches as ladders to access cables connected to poles.

The Lyttelton Sector 2 CPF also shared their concern about the increase in property-related crimes in the area, including house break-ins, wall jumpers and theft.

“Residents are very concerned about the wall jumpers who come to steal in their homes,” she said.

The CPF warned that theft through open windows is also an issue.

“Electronics and other valuables have been taken from tables, desks, and bedside tables via adjacent open windows.

“In some instances, sticks, pool nets, and brooms have been used to hook keys, electronics, and wallets from nearby surfaces.”

Residents are urged to store these items securely or close their windows.

With theft of motor vehicles also on the rise, the CPF encourages residents to ensure their cars are parked in a secured area that has a locked gate.

“People’s cars get stolen when parked on the side of the road, or at shopping centres and medical centres.”

Le Roux added that motorists should avoid leaving their valuables inside their cars and ensure these have a tracking system.

Emily Jacobs, a resident in Valhalla, said it is really worrying to see the rise of crime in the area.

“I don’t feel as safe walking around my neighbourhood anymore.

“Something needs to be done to address this issue before it gets even worse.”

Another resident in Heuweloord, Thomas Nkosi, said the recent crime incidents are scary and unacceptable.

“As a senior citizen, I’m concerned about my safety. Criminals can’t just do what they want.”

He urged that security measures should be increased to protect vulnerable members of the community.

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