Cape Town - The escalation in crime in Thornton has become a major concern for the Ratepayers and Residents Association.
In a meeting this week, civic issues, illegal squatting and crime were on the agenda.
Residents highlighted the problems they experience with the Green Wall squatter camp in Epping, where someone was arrested for dealing in drugs.
Association chairperson Nadeem Hendricks said: “We have been extremely busy addressing civic issues and concerns raised by Thornton ratepayers. Additionally, our members have been proactive on issues including squatting, crime reporting, attending crime-prevention workshops and imbizo with ward CPF, addressing the removal of the Green Wall squatter camp at local, regional and provincial level and the proposed Epping truckstop.
“Thornton Ratepayers and Residents Association is feverishly pursuing the mandate given by the Thornton ratepayers to have zero tolerance on neighbouring developments that negatively influence our suburb.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing committee for their unwavering commitment, dedication and many hours spent serving the community.”
He said that the escalating crime statistics in Thornton and surrounding areas remained a major concern.
“We have prioritised crime prevention. Various interventions have been put in place or are being pursued, including, establishing a CID (Community Improvement District), establishing street committee, installing CCTV and fencing off the two shopping centres. Working in close partnership with SAPS, law enforcement, CPF, Thornton Neighbourhood Watch, social workers, Displaced People and Human Settlements Department. Establishment of a sub-committee to address the Green Wall.”
After the imbizo, law enforcement and the police raided the squatter camp on August 1.
Inside a structure, a suspect was arrested for drug dealing, while 1001 mandrax tablets with a street value of R40 040, 10 packets of tik to the value of R400 342, “drops” of unga to the value of R6 840 and R5434 in cash were seized.
Pinelands CPF spokesperson Yazied Davids said: “Someone was stabbed there last week, something needs to be done.
“Our mandate is to make sure that the crime and the safety aspect is addressed and that SAPS is doing something about that and that their concerns are heard. With regards to the relocation of the Green Wall community, that has nothing to do with the CPF. However, we have been engaging with NGOs.”
Thornton ward councillor Riad Davids said that they were currently finalising interim plans, which encompassed fighting crime, vagrancy and informal settlements.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za