Ext 2 has become a crime hotspot, with brazen daylight robberies leaving residents in fear. Criminals, allegedly young boys known to the community, are terrorising people at gunpoint.
In response to the crisis, a community meeting was held on 19 February at Ext 2 Community Hall. The gathering brought together various stakeholders, including Councillor Simon Molefe, SAPS Detective Ben Mashiane, Ward 4 block leaders, CPF, EMS and concerned residents.
The meeting was one of many crime-fighting initiatives in Ward 4 aimed at tackling the rising crime rate. Residents voiced their frustrations, highlighting how criminals push them to the edge. Some even expressed concerns about being arrested for mob justice after taking matters into their own hands.
Cllr Molefe acknowledged the surge in crime, saying: “During an Operation Shanela meeting at the police station, we were informed that crime in Ext 2 has escalated and that is alarming. There must be patrollers and I encourage residents to pay patrollers to help keep our area safe.”
Detective Mashiane urged the community to unite against crime: “People are being robbed in broad daylight and others are too afraid to help. We must work together to find and implement solutions. However, residents must ensure they fight crime legally-some are already facing court cases for mob justice.”
To curb crime, Drieziek 4 Block 7 community leader Khonzaphi Mbele introduced the boom gate strategy. “We came up with this initiative to enhance safety in our block. Each household contributes R100 a month-R50 goes to patrollers and R50 funds the boom gate. So far, the strategy is proving successful.”
With crime on the rise, residents of Ext 2 are calling for urgent action.
