Clairwood business owners said they feel helpless as they watch criminals prey on stationary vehicles and trucks on South Coast Road in Durban. 

The intersections of Pinedene Road, South Coast Road (R102), and Solomon Mahlangu Drive (formerly Edwin Swales Drive) have seen an unprecedented number of thefts from trucks, according to the Clairwood Community Policing Forum (CPF). 

A CPF member and businessman, who did not want to be named, claimed that there are at least 15 incidents of crime at the intersections that go unreported. These are thefts out of vehicles and robbery while motorists are waiting for the traffic signal to change. 

The businessman has Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of theft taking place daily from the back of bakkies and trucks. He claimed that criminals walk directly into a local scrap dealer’s premises to sell stolen items.

“Stabbing, smash and grab, and muggings in broad daylight take place in full view of the public. Cable theft also causes traffic signals to go off. I have been fighting this issue for more than five years.” 

He said he made several representations to the police requesting them to increase their visibility, make arrests, and also introduce foot patrols. 

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda urged people to report all crimes. 

“As police, we respond to cases opened,” he said. 

The CPF explained that they want a crime-free zone on South Coast Road to conduct their business, adding that due to the length and height of most trucks, drivers are often unaware of the theft of pipes and accessories.

“These are long-distance drivers and do not know where the police stations are. The driver cannot turn the truck around or park in the centre of the road and give chase. Also, the police have the impression that it is a petty crime, and when criminals are arrested, they are often released the following day,” he claimed. 

Aidan David, chairperson of the eThekwini District Police Board, called for a united front against crime in the Clairwood area and the formation of a business against crime network.

David said there was a metro police base in Clairwood. “All role-players need to come together, work together, and show visibility and plan out patrols to prevent and curb crime. The local security companies operating in the area have to unite for the common cause of reducing the crime in the area rather than being just a service provider for their clients,” he said. 

David said that the monitoring of CCTV cameras can alert those on the ground to potential criminals lurking in the area, especially at busy traffic intersections. 

“We can combat this epidemic of crime in Clairwood. Together, we can make a difference; we have the people, the resources, and the ground personnel. We just have to put it all together, and it will work. If everyone in the Clairwood area can become a participant rather than a complainant in the fight against crime, we will win this war,” David said. 

The CPF stated that they had hired a security team at R300 per month per business to patrol, and there were zero incidents of crime. 

“Sadly, the truckers, who are the major victims, stopped paying. The criminals are back, and crime is on the rise. Truckers are not aware that it is a high-crime area, so we need signboards to alert them of the dangers,” the CPF stated. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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