In the last month, a concerned resident of Fauna has experienced three housebreakings in the space of a week.
With so many valuables stolen and damaged, Jonathan Fortuin says it is clear that their homes and movements are being monitored.
He refers to an incident where criminals accessed the storeroom and granny flat, even with his son in the main house. “They had just left, and they stole the tenant’s laptop, TV and other valuables. My tools were damaged for their cables and stolen,” he said.
Above all, Fortuin is concerned about the safety of his family. “As residents, we are obviously concerned about the safety of our families because you never know who you might find in your yard. I think they came as a group, because the items they took could not have been carried by one person alone.”
Another resident, who has lived in the area for 19 years, says he has never experienced housebreakings like this before. He believes suspects may even be people residents are familiar with.
“They come, then they skip three or four days, then they come again. It’s like they’re monitoring our movements. When I ask others in the street, they say it’s usually when the guys go to the shop that they move in. The moment people are out, they stop, and then they continue again.”
Their concern is that criminality may stem from their proximity to the Southern Landfill Site and the high grass behind their yards, particularly on Ferreira Road.
“It needs to be cut so that people cannot hide there. Right now, you don’t know who is there because it feels like someone could be watching you. You’re not sure who to trust.”
Sgt Matete Ntomane, sector 4 commander, says housebreaking remains one of the most common crimes in suburbs including Fauna, Fleurdal, Universitas and Park West, with underreporting hampering rapid response.
“The problem we have is that the community does not always report crime. If we receive reports, we can immediately dispatch vehicles to identified hotspots and respond quicker,” she explains.
She says recyclers and job seekers near the landfill are profiled as part of prevention work.
“We do profile recyclers and job seekers. We check whether they have prior convictions or pending cases. If someone new is identified in the area, they are brought in and profiled so that we know who is operating within the space.”
Sgt Palesa Nene, sector 3 commander, says the police are working with CPF, neighbourhood watches and private security.
“We are conducting patrols together with the CPF and security partners in identified hotspots.” Delays in fingerprinting are often misunderstood. “The vehicle that takes the statement is not the same unit that takes fingerprints. They are two separate departments,” says Nene.
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