MARBURG residents are pleading with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality to act on the overgrown vacant properties which are being used as hideouts by criminals.
The vacant land, situated on a dirt road off Dairy Road, on the border of Marburg Extension 14 and Merlewood, has been a problem area for residents of both suburbs for many years.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Park Rynie woman murdered near local nursing college
This dirt road is being used as a dumping ground and the illegal dumping has not only made the area smelly and filthy, it has also attracted criminals to the area.
Several homes and a temple have recently been broken into. Ronnie Dullay of Mars Road blames the municipality for not acting and sorting its own overgrown property, on which criminals are seeking shelter.
“For years residents have been begging and pleading with the municipality to sort out this problem on this dirt road. Our pleading and begging have fallen on deaf ears. Now we residents, many of whom are pensioners, bear the brunt of being victims of crime due to the overgrown property and illegal dumping,” said Mr Dullay.
He said they are finding it very problematic when it comes to theft and house breaking. “I left home last Monday about 4pm and when my daughter arrived later she found that the house had been burgled. Many items of sentimental value had been taken as well as jewellery, a camera, a laptop and passports. The robbers were certainly disturbed as many other items had been left on the bed ready to be taken,” he said.
He said that the criminals gained entry to his property through the overgrown municipal property. Police are investigating a house robbery but no arrests have yet been made.
The Shree Raam Narayan Temple, also situated in Marburg Extension 14, had already been broken into. Items taken included a mini hi-fi and two large speakers. Here, too, robbers gained entry by forcing a window open and moving the burglar bars. A case was opened at the Port Shepstone police station.
“Residents need to be more alert. There are people loitering during the day asking for jobs. There are some honest people but there are those that are checking if anyone is at home,” said another homeowner.
Ward 17 councillor, Ajith Rajaram, is worried about the number of overgrown plots in Marburg that are hideouts for criminals.
“I have been contacted by several homeowners stating that crime is a problem in Marburg Extension 14. I have addressed the problem of overgrown properties with the municipal services department but nothing has since been done,” he said.
Safety tips:
* Make sure your house is clearly marked with a number for speedy response in case of emergency.
* Always react when your or your neighbour’s dogs bark. However, be very cautious when leaving the safety of your home, especially at night.
* If you hear something suspicious outside, switch on as many lights as possible. Contact your neighbours and ask them to do the same.
* Never walk around outside alone in the dark.
* Rather wake up your neighbours by phoning to establish if everything is in order than ignore suspicious vehicles, people and sounds. Police have also warned residents not to hire casual labourers they don’t know.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
