Business owners in the Laudium CBD fumed that the area has become a hotbed of violent crime and a drug capital, in recent months!
Many businessmen in the CBD told the Laudium Sun that police do not prioritise patrolling in the area and are not doing enough to stop the crime that is spiralling out of control. They also complained about CCTV cameras that the council promised to install years back, but never did. A recent wave of brazen break-ins and intimidation of customers in the CBD, has caused much concern among seasoned businessmen who have been in the area for many decades.
Speaking to the Laudium Sun, owner of Danny Electronics, on Tangerine Street, Omar Muhammad (59) said,
"Laudium is under siege and police are not doing enough to curb the high rate of crime in the area. Whenever a new face is spotted by thieves or Nyaope addicts, he or she immediately becomes a soft target. The Laudium CBD is degenerating rapidly and it is just a matter of time before businesses pull out and the area becomes a permanent haven for criminals.
“It is sad to note that even with the recent spate of thefts, only some of the suspects have been arrested, but after a while when they get bail, they return to the area to commit the same crimes," Omar said irately.
"Business owners here are now fed up. We need to work together to bring down the high levels of crime. Our businesses have suffered tremendously, as our customers do not want to come into the CBD because of the high crime rate," the disconsolate businessman concluded.
Another irate businessman, Jayesh Kallan (51), who owns NuWorld Clothing in the Laudium CBD, said that the area has many issues that need to be urgently addressed.
"Pickpocketing and purse-snatching, as well as theft from vehicles, remains a huge concern in the Laudium CBD. Dumping of rubbish has also become a serious issue as it is not only a hygiene hazard but an eyesore too. This affects our businesses as customers do not want to be walking amidst such filth when shopping! The police, together with council, really need to address these issues or else the Laudium CBD will soon become a slum,” exclaimed the annoyed Emerald Street resident.
Laudium SAPS communications officer, Constable Samuel Chokoe, said, "We appeal to the community to work together with us in order to form a partnership in identifying known suspects and offenders, so that we can remove them from our streets. We also appeal to business owners not to employ boys off the street, like the 'glueboys' as they foster an environment for crime to thrive in. If business owners have any issues with policing in the area, they are free to come to the station and consult with the station commander," Chokoe concluded.
Businessman, Jayesh Kallan (51) says many issues in the CBD need to be addressed urgently.
Owner of Danny Electronics, Omar Muhammad (55) says that the Laudium CBD is under siege.
One of the many eyesores in the Laudium CBD.