Crime 'drives residents from their homes' in Inanda
The township of Inanda continues to grapple with a spiralling crime wave that is compelling residents to abandon their homes.
A community member, along with the Inanda Community Policing Forum (CPF), has raised alarms regarding the severity of criminal activities that plague the area, notably after a violent shootout that resulted in the deaths of five armed suspects in Bester on Thursday morning.
The community member, who asked to remain anonymous, said some of the suspects had been fighting another gang from another area that had been terrorising the community.
“They would come here and rob us. So they were keeping the others away,” he said.
He said that once the police leave, community members will become victims.
“This is a crime haven.
“We wish there was a police station here, even a satellite station, to help watch for crime. The community would be happy if we had a police presence here,” he said.
He said crime in the area had reached intolerable levels, with people leaving.
“They are leaving their homes. There are about 50-something empty houses. People are leaving because of crime. Criminals break into their homes in broad daylight, and they are robbed. We always lock our homes and gates, but they still enter,” he said.
Inanda CPF public relations officer Mbongeni Phewa said that although some suspects were arrested in the past, others are still terrorising the community.
Commenting on the matter of the suspects who were shot apparently looking out for the community, Phewa said criminals do not look out for anyone.
“They can try to cover it up however they want.”
He expressed his frustration, noting that he is annoyed by some parents who claim ignorance about their children’s involvement in criminal activities.
“The challenge we face as community leaders is protecting the families of criminals from retaliation by their victims,” Phewa said.
Regarding abandoned homes, Phewa said he knows several that have been abandoned, especially in Bester.
“In Amaoti, there were cottages and 24 houses. Criminals (harassed) them until they left,” Phewa said.
“The people of Inanda are suffering at the hands of these criminals due to their harsh and cruel ways. The truth is simply that people no longer live here because they are being threatened; they fear the manner in which the violence is happening here.”
Phewa said it would be better if police visibility was heightened.
“We see the difference they are making, but it’s not enough. These criminals, once they have consumed what they consume, don’t listen,” Phewa said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za