In what is described as yet another crime committed by nyaopes roaming the streets of Laudium, a local resident discovered that taking her child for a quick haircut to a nearby barbershop, despite parking her car in front of the shop before she went inside, certainly did not cut any ice for greedy thieves.
The concern of many residents about the influx of nyaopes into Laudium, looking for food and money and to continue with their drug habits, is an ongoing problem which still has to be effectively dealt with by police and the relevant public representatives of the community.
Easvari Govender of Primrose Street, told the Laudium Sun of the events that occurred last Friday at around 7pm in the evening, that left her disappointed and still baffled. “Last Friday evening, I decided to take my son for a quick haircut, as we were preparing to go out for the long-weekend, seeing that the level 4 restrictions were lifted and we were allowed to travel for leisure. As I did not get a chance to take him during the day, it suited me that the salon not far from my home, was still open. So, it was just past 7pm when I took him to Raja Hair Salon on Salmon Street, cnr 17th Avenue. When we got there, we found a lot of cars, but I managed to park my car in front of the salon. While sitting there and waiting for our turn, as they were quite busy, one of these nyaope guys came in, offering the salon guys a hair dryer to sell. The salon guy did not take it and asked the nyaope to leave. I’m not sure if he did not buy the dryer because we were all watching him. Nevertheless, soon after that, it was our turn so my son had his hair cut and when we were finished we left. As I approached my car, a silver VW GTI, I was shocked to discover that it had been broken into. The side window of the back driver’s side was broken. They took my laptop, starter keys and jacket. I was very hurt and upset as my car has no insurance for damages or theft. I had to fix the window myself and replace the stolen laptop, as I need it for work, which cost me a lot of money. These thieves do not care about others. It was not even that late, but these thieves can break into a car and just get away with their crime. It is so shameful the way we live in Laudium now. Something must be done. How can we live like this? I just hope the police do a follow up and catch these greedy thieves.”
Sergeant Simon Chokoe, of the Laudium SAPS, said, “A case of theft out of a vehicle has been opened and the police are following all possible leads. I urge anyone in the community who might have information, to inform the police, so that we can get the culprits. Working together we can stop crime. The community’s safety comes first.”
