House robberies at its highest for retired plot owners

For pensioners of this picturesque rural area hoping to enjoy some tranquillity in their retirement, one thing currently takes precedence – making it to the next day safely without becoming a statistic.

Criminals are finding better ways to break into homes and steal valuables, and in most cases, are common on plots and farms that are secluded. One major headache for residents is the tall grass giving criminals ample places to hide while continuing to traumatise pensioners in their homes.

The Roodepoort Northsider accompanied Samantha Barale, the director of the Muldersdrift Neighbourhood Watch (MNW), on a tour of houses belonging to pensioners who were either relocated for safety reasons after being repeatedly robbed and harassed or who continue to live in their homes while dealing with the crime in the area.

Barale pointed out that bricks and fencing are stolen and taken to informal settlements, where they are used to rebuild shanty houses, outside bathrooms or toilets, or new fencing.

“We have had several break-ins over the years, and it’s not fair for pensioners to live in fear in their own homes. Unfortunately, crime is at an all-time high and no one feels safe anymore,” she says.

One of the houses that are currently being stripped belongs to an 80-year-old woman who was robbed three times. She was moved to a cottage for safety because it was getting out of hand, and because she was also raped during these home invasions.

“This is when her house started getting stripped. They stole her everything,” Barale adds.

An anonymous source spoke to the Northsider and mentioned how he was held at gunpoint for nine hours in his own home. He was badly bruised and beaten, and robbed of his possessions. He explained how his boerboel was also fed meat that was infused with dagga, which prevented his dog from being as vigilant so robbers could dig a hole in front of his electric fence to obtain entry to his property, taking all his possessions.

The Northsider also spoke to pensioner Gerhard Buys who still lives in the area. He described how, three weeks after he moved into his home in 2014, they attempted to break in and steal valuable equipment.

“I had 13 active dockets from cases I opened with police, which I withdrew because it was pointless? We keep complaining about the same problem, and unfortunately, as pensioners, some cannot defend themselves and end up having to be moved to a safer home. In December 2023, I was involved in a shooting incident in the evening where four guys were shooting outside next to my bedroom window. Two months later, I experienced another incident where shots were fired outside my home.

“Most plot owners have dogs for safety reasons, and what they [criminals] would do is feed their dogs meat that is either poisoned or infused with substances that relax the dog, so they don’t become as vigilant as usual. I have had one of my dogs poisoned, and the other was killed with a bicycle spoke. I have to find alternative ways to keep myself safe because the crime in the area is not getting better,” Buys says.

Barale reiterates that continuous patrols and trying to move the elderly who are affected into safe homes remain a priority for MNW.

“With the help of security companies that assist with night patrols, unfortunately, a place they once called home is no more, but what matters most is their safety,” she added.

The Northside approached the police for comment on the crime-riddled area, however, none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.