DURBAN - Merebank residents in the Navy and Chinatown areas held a placard demonstration against their local scrapyards on Saturday.
This was allegedly due to an unexpected increase in crime that is believed to be linked to the scrapyards.
Merewest Community Foundation (MCF), representing both areas, took up the fight against the scrapyards, initially with a petition drive that yielded about 700 signatures. It then was followed by a placard demonstration outside the scrapyards.
MCF said it had received more than 100 complaints from residents about the presence of scrapyards in residential areas.
It was alleged that this was contributing to an increase of crimes such as the theft of copper pipes, brass prayer goods and other belongings that were believed to be sold to the scrapyard dealerships in Ninapur Road, Fizorpore Road and in Sailkot Road.
This led the foundation to a demonstration demanding the shutdown of all scrapyards in its precinct.
The placard demonstration’s aim was to highlight, create awareness and pressure the SAPS, metro police, the municipality, councillors and parastatals such as Transnet, to act against illegally run scrapyards in these areas.
Burton Jaganathan, an MCF Exco member, said the rapid spread of crime was making the area a hot spot for theft.
“The residents of Navy and Chinatown have been the victims of crime. The daily increase of incidents of stolen copper water pipes, metal air-conditioner covers and anything that can be stolen from the yards is making the areas hot spots,” he said.
Jaganathan added that almost every household petitioned in the past few weeks said they had been victims of crime.
“Investigations need to be carried out by the relevant authorities into the operation of scrapyards in residential areas, and they must be shut down. Criminal elements are drawn to these scrapyards where they sell the stolen goods. We are confident that with the closure of the scrapyards, crime will decrease,” said Jaganathan.
Various influential stakeholders were invited to the demonstration to receive a copy of the signed petition and the memorandum.
Mayor’s representative Mlungisi Ntombela, along with Colonel van Zyl of Wentworth police station and PR councillor Sithembiso Ngema, availed themselves.
He said all the representatives gave a commitment to address this crucial problem.
“Mr Ntombela indicated that in two weeks time we can expect a response from the mayor's office. Colonel van Zyl said that on Monday he will table the memorandum at the management meeting, while Councillor Ngema said he will give us feedback shortly.
“We will hold our public representatives to account for the commitment they have given to resolve the scrapyard and crime issues. MCF has started this campaign with support from community members, and this will continue until the desired outcomes for the community are achieved. Forward to a safe and crime-free environment,” he said.
Daily News