Sex and drug dens concern residents

NEW sex and drug dens keep mushrooming in eSikhaleni.

Despite attempts by community leaders and police to curb the escalating crime wave, residents are increasingly becoming fed up with abandoned houses in the area becoming crime lairs.

Annoyed residents say their efforts to stop criminal activities have merely shifted the problem, with criminals now finding new vacant houses to hide in.

Last month Ward 16 homeowners reported that criminals use abandoned houses behind the Department of Education building next to Thengeduze Tavern as their assembly point.

According to community members criminals, including school pupils, use these buildings to consume alcohol, have sex and use drugs such as whoonga and dagga.

‘After we reported the matter, they moved to other houses on the other side of the township. Police patrol in these places but they can’t seem to catch them because they keep changing their locations,’ said resident Thabani Mkhize.

‘They have become a big problem in this community, and these criminals hide out there and mug innocent people of their belongings,’ he said.

Residents say other hideouts have mushroomed in the uMkhobose area.

According to Ward 16 Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson, Muzobanzi Ntuli, criminals now conduct their business in rental cottages behind the uMkhobose Store.

‘Children continue to have sex and do drugs there and we are working with the police and the community to ensure we stop these criminal activities in our township,’ said Ntuli.

eSikhawini SAPS spokesperson, Capt Thembinkosi Mkhumane, say police are conducting day and night patrols in these hot spots.

‘We plead with residents to inform us about any criminal activities in their areas,’ he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer