In response to the rising crime in Drieziek 5, particularly at Corner Bree, Ward Councillor Mxolisi Ndzondo organised a prayer event on 20 February in partnership with various stakeholders.
The gathering aimed to seek divine intervention and raise awareness about violent crimes, including robberies, murders and gender-based violence (GBV). The event took place at Corner Bree and was attended by Chief Nkululeko Madikizela, SADTU, ANC, ANCWL, religious leaders and community members.
Residents say a feared gang known as 50 is behind the ongoing terror, operating without fear due to the lack of police presence. The community is now calling for increased visibility from SAPS, CPF and Crime Prevention Wardens, as they believe criminals feel emboldened in their absence.
Cllr Nzondo, told Orange Farm News: “Crime in this area is out of control and something must be done. We cannot live in fear because of criminals. I believe there is an evil spirit roaming in the community, which is why we are hosting this prayer to seek divine intervention. I plan to organise more prayer sessions in the ward.”
A concerned resident expressed frustration over the gang’s reign of terror, saying: “We are afraid to send our children to the spaza shops because of these boys. They are terrorising the community and it must stop.”
Orange Farm SAPS Sergeant Motsapi urged the community to report crimes, emphasising that most of these gang members are boys who are from the mountain. He stated: “Residents must open cases so that we can investigate. Our job is to protect the community, but we need victims to come forward-it’s the only way we can effectively fight crime in our area.”
With crime spiralling out of control, residents are determined to take a stand, hoping that their prayers, combined with action, will bring much-needed change.
