Crime escalates in Marburg
The Marburg CPF executive committee calls on the public to assist and enrol as CPF patrollers.
Crime is on the increase in Marburg, say residents, who are concerned for their safety.
In October alone, reported crimes in Marburg were: residential burglary (12), business burglary (4), theft from motor vehicle (4), murder (1), attempted murder (1), robbery with firearm (1) and common robbery (2).
Last week, a security officer was tackled to the ground by a thief and his firearm taken. Luckily, another security officer was on scene and intervened. The thief was arrested, and also had stolen brass items and copper pipes in his possession.
Marburg Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Fathima Moosa, said there has been a sharp increase in crime on the South Coast.
“Vagrants have now taken up residence in abandoned houses and in the bushes surrounding our residential and business areas in Marburg. Makeshift homes with unhygienic conditions have become the order of the day. Our systems have failed us, and it has become a matter of urgency to address this situation.”
She added that children are being exposed to these unsafe environments, with some even frequenting the bushes themselves. She said drugs are being sold at schools by students, and if not inside, the areas outside the schools are overrun with youngsters smoking or selling drugs.
“Shebeens and taverns have opened up close to schools, creating additional challenges for our communities. Then there’s the issue of prostitution. Where do we start, and how do we put a stop to this? ” she asked.
A resident said crimes are occurring in broad daylight when people are at work, or in the early hours of the morning when everyone is asleep. “We are grateful to our security companies who patrol throughout the night, but they can only do so much. We need more police presence and stronger law-enforcement visibility. The challenges we face with vagrants and paras are escalating and cannot be ignored.”
The Marburg CPF executive committee calls on the public to assist and enrol as CPF patrollers. “Each area has its own CPF, and a proper structure is followed through Saps and the Department of Community Safety and Liaison. There are protocols in place, and patrollers abide by the rules. We are only the eyes and ears of the community. We urge all community members to support their CPFs. Together, we can protect our neighbourhoods, safeguard our children and restore safety,” said Moosa.
Spokesperson for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Simon April said the issue of crime is a core mandate of the Saps, however, as the municipality Law Enforcement works with the Saps, and there is presence of both Saps and Law Enforcement in Marburg.
“Law Enforcement has noticed an increase in prostitution in Marburg, and unfortunately, it’s a crime difficult to prosecute. We work with the CPF structure on matters of crime prevention and present statistics of work done on a monthly basis. We encourage that crime is reported to Saps as it assists with our deployments,” said April.
For assistance, contact Saps Port Shepstone on 039 6881000/1003.
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