"Crime is climbing". Says one Mashashane Representative from around the area where She says there has been an increase in cable theft, house breakings and robberies as load shedding reaches the upper stages. Residents have been in darkness for some time as they are losing their cables as well to these thefts.
One Mother tells us that using candles, gas stoves and paraffin almost everyday, is becoming dangerous. "We are living with children that we cannot watch the entire time". The residents are livid with the problems faced.
The frequent load shedding issue that ill-plagues the community begins to be a real worring thorn to not just a smaller part of the area, but has spread to the entire community at large as it gives thefts enough time to do as they please. This grants criminals an opportunity to steal other people's belongings and others get robbed, raped and all sorts.
The Headman (Ndona) Teffo in Segoahleng, summoned the accused who is said to be one of the people behind these recurring breakings but he never pitched before the community and the committee as ordered. This was the meeting where learners complained about not been able to study with no lights, because of load shedding, cable vandalism.
3weeks back, on one of the meetings that took place at the Ndona, a number of people volunteered to stay on the look out for any suspicious activities and report back to the community representatives. Even though some said that they cannot patrol in darkness.
The alleged , are a group of criminals that have been tormenting communities in and around the area for a long time following several reported cases, with no one arrested as yet. One suspect was found in possessions of others' stolen properties such as blankets, pots, clothes and wheelbarrow from his neighbours, he flee when police went for his arrest while his family defends him.
The police urges the community to stay alert and keep their properties locked up for safety measures.