Petty crime, apparently committed by nyaopes, desperately looking for anything to steal to feed their drug habit, is on the increase in the Laudium/Erasmia area, but police seemingly still have no plan in place as to how to deal with this issue. Over the past few months, residents have repeatedly reported to the Laudium Sun of the increase in petty theft, whereby outdoor light fittings, copper pipes, water taps, car batteries and even outdoor plants have been stolen from their properties, with a number of rubbish bins being stolen outside homes, also being reported. The theft of council owned property, including water taps from the local graveyard, electric cables and fencing has also seen an increase in the area. Lately, a number of manhole covers have reportedly been stolen, which is of great concern to residents, due to the serious danger it poses, to both motorists and pedestrians alike.
In a recent incident of the theft of a manhole cover, that was discovered in the early hours of last Wednesday morning (July 7th) on 15th Ave, near the Sivan Alayam Temple. Bilal Raza, the owner of Al Bilal General Trading, told the Laudium Sun, “Early on Wednesday as I was going to my shop, I was shocked to see the manhole in front of our shop, open and the steel cover missing. I was really worried because there are many children walking around this area, who pass by here to buy bread and milk in the morning. They could so easily fall into the hole. Even adults who walk past here could so easily fall in and seriously injure themselves. This manhole is about two meters deep and is very dangerous, someone could even die when falling inside. I do not know when the cover was stolen, but when I left my business the previous night it was still there. That means it was probably stolen during the late night. It is probably these nyaope guys who stole it as they steal anything that they can sell, to buy their drugs. These guys are very desperate and dangerous. A few weeks ago, they broke into our next-door shop, and now they came to steal the manhole cover. What will they steal next? How can we ever feel safe in this community? Our shops are struggling to make business, as we speak. Sometimes we only have one customer coming in for the whole day, but these nyaope guys are full on the streets, walking around to see what they can steal next. The police are not interested in catching them, so our hands are tied to stop this crime.”
Mohammed Hussein, owner of the nearby Al Madina Hair Salon, said, “When I came in the morning, I saw the manhole was open and the cover missing. I do not know who stole the cover, but this is very unsafe for our customers and might discourage them to come here. We have covered the hole with a stone and plank, in order to prevent someone from falling in, but this is only a temporary measure. The council must urgently replace the stolen cover. I have informed Councilor Essop. Hopefully they will soon replace the cover.”
Councilor Mahomed Essop, said, “I have sent the report to the relevant department, as a matter of urgency. I encourage residents to immediately report any stolen items, which needs council attention. Because of the market value of these metals, they have become the target of thieves. The city replaces stolen and missing covers when they are reported and logged on their service notification system. To report any missing sewer manhole cover, call (012) 358 7095 or 080 011 2722.”
