During the past few days, we have seen incidents of armed robbery and people being shot at in our city. It is clear that crime is getting out of control and citizens are living in fear.

House break-ins have risen sharply in our neighbourhood in the past four weeks with some residents been subjected to more than one incident. We don’t feel safe anymore. Criminals use the greenbelt areas as a surveillance platform from where they monitor the movement of residents. They also use the greenbelts to hide, and as a cover to offer a safe escape from the crime scene.   

The devastating impact of Covid-19 on our economy, and the subsequent loss of employment will further flame the wave of crime. Incidents of house break-ins will increase, there is no doubt about that, and properties adjacent to greenbelts make for easy targets.

The residents are now looking to our Ward Councillor, and to the municipality to assist us in our fight against house break-ins. Our property and our lives are under attack. We live in constant fear.

We have identified certain greenbelt areas which border our properties which need to be cut back urgently. The greenbelt should be cleared in totality or an area of about 20 meters between boundary walls and the greenbelt must be cleared to offer some protection, and to allow residents access to do patrols of the area, especially at nighttime.

We propose to meet with you, and representative of the municipality to identify these hot spots to you. We will implement safety protocols, as we are all mindful to limit the spread of the virus.

Councillor, we are desperately seeking your help. You are our representative and link to the municipality, please take our plight to the Municipal Manager.