The moment for unity among Newcastle residents of Barry Hertzog Park, Amajuba Park, and Ncandu Park has dawned, driven by a surge in criminal activity that has left the community both frustrated and fearful. Demanding action, they’ve taken a stand against the rising tide of crime.
On a scorching Saturday, 18 January 2024, locals braved the heat to convene in a pivotal meeting with law enforcement and the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The agenda was clear: to tackle the escalating drug trade, burglaries, and robberies that have plagued Ward 5 for far too long.
Newcastle Municipality‘s Councillor Musa Ndlovu painted a stark picture of the drug crisis, stating, “It has become so bad that the area has become known for its drugs, with people coming from the townships and neighbouring suburbs to purchase their drugs of choice, and this is serious and we will have to look if there is actual drug manufacturing now going on in the Ward.” He highlighted not only the drug issue but also the rampant burglaries and armed robberies, instilling such fear that residents hesitate to venture outside their homes.
Ndlovu pointed out a unique challenge, stating, “One of the contributing factors are the trees in Barry Hertzog Park, Amajuba Park, and Ncandu Park which have been allowed to grow to the point that criminals are now hiding in them, catching pedestrians by surprise or monitoring homes, and as soon as people leave their homes, these people will then break into the houses and steal.”
The conversation revealed that vacant houses have inadvertently become safe havens for criminals, with Ndlovu adding, “There are several vacant houses in the ward, which are being used by these people, who have either moved into the empty houses and hide stolen property there or just use the vacant houses to store property they have stolen,” showcasing the audacity of the criminals.
Furthermore, the misuse of the shopping complex on Frikkie Meyer Avenue was another focal point, where partygoers have turned the area into a scene of public disorder, consuming alcohol, disturbing the peace with loud music, and driving under the influence. This issue has been left unchecked for years, with action now being demanded to remedy the situation.
In response to the above, Colonel Hlongwane, the newly appointed head of the Visible Police Unit (VISPOL), emphasised the critical need for a symbiotic relationship between the SAPS and the community for safety restoration. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Dlamini detailed plans for bolstering CPF structures and launching community-driven initiatives to combat the daily scourges. The meeting concluded with several resolutions:
- Vacant Property Management: A comprehensive list of vacant houses will be compiled, owners traced, and legal measures considered to be taken against the owners, as to prevent these properties from becoming criminal hideouts, with regular SAPS raids planned.
- Enforcement at Shopping Complex: A crackdown on by-law violations at the Frikkie Meyer Avenue shopping complex, targeting public drinking and driving under the influence. This could see the establishments selling alcohol on the premises potentially losing their liquor licences.
- Municipal-SAPS Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation between the SAPS, the Municipality and community to enforce local by-laws.
- Tree Maintenance: Immediate action to trim overgrown trees that serve as criminal cover.
Thabo Mbatha from the Ward 5 CPF structure further announced, “We are going to be conducting regular patrols in the area from this week, where we will be focusing on creating a safer environment for the families living in the area, as this behaviour can no longer continue, and we will be working closely with the Newcastle Police. However, we do need the community to volunteer and assist with the patrols which will benefit everyone.”
He invited community members to join the CPF by contacting him at 071 292 0053.
With this collaborative effort between residents, local leadership, and law enforcement, the community stands at the brink of reclaiming peace in Barry Hertzog Park, Ncandu Park, and Amajuba Park.
What are your thoughts on these initiatives? Share your views in the comment section below.
