Harding residents tell Cele of alarming crime rate in community
Residents of Harding say crime in the southern KwaZulu-Natal town has reached crisis proportions.
They have told Police Minister Bheki Cele that they are living in fear.
He was there for a Ministerial Crime Prevention Imbizo.
Local Jesmond Cross spoke of his brother, a police officer, who was killed on duty.
"He was shot 15 times in the vehicle on duty. The case is ongoing, we know the Hawks, they keep in touch with us it is just that if a policeman is killed, what about the community? If the police can't protect the community.
"Even me standing here, I am worried to talk, that maybe tomorrow I won't be here, because people don't want to talk in Harding, because you will die."
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Colin Davenue, who represents some of the businesses in town, has told Cele that they've had to fork out thousands of rands for private security.
He says petty crime is also an issue.
"When I talk about petty crime, I am talking about the 'Paras' that are full in Harding. Our main concerns as business are the break-ins, burglaries and hold-ups in our residences.
"Private security is always responding first, if you think you are going to get a response from SAPS just forget it."
Cele said the police in Harding must find those behind the killings and organised crime in the area.
