Donovan McDonald: Crime spiraling out of control

Crime seems to be spiralling out of control at the Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre.

Despite various interventions put in place by the Department of Human Settlements, the situation seems to be worsening. The Roodepoort Record has received reports of at least three incidents at the notorious facility, two of which were violent.

Guards shot at and robbed

Security guards manning the entrance gate at Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre had a close call on October 29, when they were shot at and robbed of their cellphones and other valuables.

According to one guard who wishes not to be named, they were inside the guard house at about midnight, when they noticed a person scrambling over the gate. One guard stood up to look out the window when the person suddenly produced a firearm and fired a shot through the guard room window. Luckily no one was hit and the bullet exited through the back window.

“The next moment they started kicking down the door, and once they managed to get it open, they pointed a firearm at us and made us give them our phones and other valuables, before fleeing over the gate again.”

• Also read: Another setback in Donovan McDonald eviction bid

Stolen car recovered, thief arrested

The Record received reports from concerned residents that a woman who illegally occupies a unit at the centre was arrested for stealing a car. The woman, according to concerned residents who prefer not to be named, is well known to be involved in a variety of criminal activities including robbing elderly people of their Sassa grants, credit card fraud, and more. She is also an alleged drug addict.

Details regarding the incident are currently unclear, but it is alleged that the woman was taking drugs with another person and proceeded to steal the person’s car once they became incapacitated due to the effects of the drugs. This is the second time she has brought a stolen car onto the property.

• Also read: Application rejection: The judge’s view on Donovan McDonald

Domestic violence

An incident of domestic violence occurred at one of the units at Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre on November 2. The incident occurred at the unit illegally occupied by a man who is alleged to be on parole and a member of the notorious Fast Guns gang. According to reports received by the Record, the man was at home with his girlfriend when her ex arrived at the unit, and a fight broke out. Community patrollers and the police were called and attended to the scene. It is not clear what the outcome of the incident was.

The Record has approached the Florida police for more information on these incidents, and their answers will be included once received. However, Florida South Residents Association chairperson Rodney Churchyard confirmed the incidents.