Elderly residents in Chatsworth and Verulam are increasingly becoming victims of violent crimes, sparking outrage and calls for enhanced community safety measures. This comes after a 68-year-old Verulam woman was brutally assaulted during a house robbery, and an elderly couple were held at gunpoint by an intruder in their Chatsworth home.
The man allegedly shot the intruder who threatened to shoot his wife. The Verulam woman sustained serious injuries on Monday morning at her home in Dawncrest. Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Security, said a distress activation had been received from the residence, and when security officers got to the home, it was established that an armed suspect had stormed into the home.
Community Leaders Call for Action
Rocky Naidoo, a community leader in Havenside, said the 80-year-old Chatsworth man was hailed a hero after he allegedly shot an intruder who threatened to shoot his 79-year-old wife after two men broke down their kitchen door in the early hours of the morning. The couple have been pioneer residents of Havenside for over 50 years. According to the South African Police Service, homeowners should consider their safety before reacting in these situations.
Brandon Pillay, chairperson of the Bayview Community Police Forum (CPF), said while they applauded the brave Havenside resident’s swift action, which led to the arrest of a suspect, they urged elderly residents to be cautious when approaching suspects. He said homeowners should consider their safety before reacting in these situations.
Prevention Measures
Some of the prevention measures that can be taken include:
- Installing security systems, such as alarms and CCTV cameras
- Improving lighting around the home
- Getting to know your neighbors and forming a community watch
- Keeping valuables out of sight
Rachel Wilkin, spokesperson for the Verulam CPF, said they were concerned that criminals were targeting elderly residents. When elderly residents live alone, their safety becomes a shared responsibility among families, neighbors, and the broader community, who can visit the Wikipedia page on crime prevention
