Despite residents complaining about nyaopes causing a nuisance by harassing them for food or money and also being involved in petty crime, police are seemingly not interested in arresting them, as even when the nyaopes are caught red handed on private property, arrested by members of the community and handed over to the police, the very same nyaopes are soon seen roaming the streets of Laudium again.
The theft of taps, car batteries, outside light fittings and fencing on public property continues to be a problem for residents, who are fed up that these petty crimes are not taken seriously by the local police. Residents claim that the increase in the number of nyaopes on the streets of Laudium, is the result of police being soft on them and turning a blind eye to their misdemeanours.
One of these residents who is at wits end, is Agra Street East resident, Jainey Soma, who fumed to the Laudium Sun, “Every other day, there are nyaopes who steal the metal fencing that runs throughout both ends of Agra Street, which is supposedly securing children from falling into the water canal across our homes. Last Friday evening, I’m not sure of the exact time, these nyaope guys were seen cutting and stealing the fence. I can assure you that it will definitely not be the last time we witness this criminal activity. These guys just do as they please, cutting the fence from certain spots and carrying it away. Besides the safety of children playing in the area being at risk, there is also a risk to our safety, as these thieves hide in the water canals and watch our movements and when they do attack homes in the area, they use the same canals to make a quick getaway, either using the canal to go down Military Road or escaping towards the informal settlement. I have a solar light just above my front door, and it has been stolen over 6 times in the past few months. I am sick and tired of having it replaced. I mean it costs me money each and every time. I don’t even bother reporting it to the police anymore, because they just say that if we don’t have any leads, there isn’t much they can do. I often read in the Laudium Sun that the cops say we should contact them, if we see anyone suspicious in our areas. Not only did I call them several times before, when I saw someone suspicious in the area, I also called them when these nyaopes guys were busy stealing the fences, but the cops’ response time is so bad, that by the time they arrive, the thieves are long gone carrying the fence away. Are we meant to live in constant fear whilst these criminals roam around freely, stealing from whoever they feel like? They are stealing anything and everything possible. I refuse to be locked up in my home, scared that I will be in harm’s way because of these nyaope criminals. Something needs to be done urgently. As a Laudium resident, I just want the safety and security back. Our youth should be able to grow up in a safe and secure environment. If a few of these criminals can get caught by the police, crime in the area will lessen, because they will be scared. Now, more than ever, they even steal during the night, despite the curfew, as they know they won’t be disturbed by law abiding residents, because we abide to the law and stay indoors. They on the other hand, are privileged to freely walk the streets during curfew time.”
Hassan Adam of Agra Street East said, “Residents spotted nyaopes stealing the metal fencing across our homes on Agra Street, on Friday, and it was posted on our community group chat. This happens so often and nothing is done about it. We feel really unsafe knowing that criminals are walking around and doing whatever they want. They seem desperate, as they steal just about anything.”
Sergeant Simon Chokoe, spokesperson of the Laudium SAPS said, “We are trying our best to beat crime in Laudium. We do understand that residents are frustrated. However, we are working tirelessly trying to create a safer environment for everyone. If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity, they should report it to the Laudium police station immediately.”
