The very mechanism that was erected as a line of defence around an unoccupied property on Bengal Street, Extension 3, ended up alluring criminals to it, resulting in theft and neighbouring families feeling very unprotected.
According to nearby residents, criminals had come to the property in the middle of the night around two weeks ago and stolen the fence, piece by piece, that once secured the vacant ground.
Speaking to the Laudium Sun, Priyanka Budhoo (27) said that since the fencing was stolen, her Bengal Street home close to the vacant property, has been a target for crafty criminals.
"Ever since the fence was stolen by these greedy criminals, thieves are now using the open ground as their new shortcut to escape into the hills, leading into Atteridgeville, after stealing from nearby houses. It's gotten to a point where I can't even hang my washing outside anymore because if I do, it will be gone in a matter of minutes. My laundry has been targeted 3 times this month and I have resolved to rather hang the laundry indoors so that I don't tempt any thugs. The owner of the property must step up and take responsibility to replace the stolen fencing. At least this could deter would-be thieves and we could all live a little more peacefully here in Ext. 3," said the fearful housewife.
Priyanka added, "I have called the owner of the land, a certain Ahmed Joosub, and he keeps promising to sort things out, but it has been a month now and nothing has been done. I even contacted the council and was told by an official that I should contact the owner directly with my grievances. I am fed up with all the calls and messages and cannot live in constant fear because of these criminals."
Another frustrated resident, Kishore Nundlall (54) said that the criminal element has also been using the vacant property to consume drugs and alcohol.
"Every night after 10pm a group gathers at the vacant plot and cause a ruckus. It's clear to see that they are drinking and using banned substances. I called the police this past Monday night (February 19), but these criminals, upon seeing the police vehicle, simply fled over the hill. There's also the issue of theft taking place at neighbouring houses where these criminals steal anything that is kept outside or unattended. The owner needs to fence off this property, once again, to stop this crime wave that we are experiencing," said an irate Kishore.
The vacant property on Bengal Street nearby the Himalaya Street mosque, where criminals made off with the fencing.
Ext. 3 resident, Kishore Nundlall says the vacant property is being used as a hideout and drug den for criminals.
Priyanka Budhoo says criminals have been targeting her washing since the neighbouring fence was stolen.