Residents of Mayfield in Ekurhuleni are living in fear as a group of armed thugs wreak havoc in their community. The criminals, mostly young men, have been terrorizing locals by breaking into homes and stealing valuables such as cellphones, laptops, TVs, and cash. Victims have reported that if they resist, the thugs resort to violence. The group, which often consists of more than 10 individuals, operates with military precision—some enter homes to grab valuables, while others wait outside to transport stolen goods to waiting vehicles.
Frustrated residents blame the rising crime rate on widespread unemployment and poverty, believing that the desperation caused by hunger drives many young men to criminal activity. “We believe the high crime rate is driven by hunger and unemployment,” said one local. The community feels trapped, as the armed thugs continue to target homes, often under the cover of darkness. The lack of effective law enforcement in the area has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many feeling helpless and vulnerable.
Steve Ngobeni, a concerned resident, shared his frustration: “The lack of police presence makes things worse.” Locals are now urgently calling for increased police visibility in the area to protect them from these frequent invasions. The community is hoping for a more robust law enforcement response to deter criminals and restore safety.
Ekurhuleni district police spokeswoman, Captain Nelda Sekgobela, assured residents that steps would be taken to address the crime surge. “I will liaise with the Putfontein station commander to find a solution,” she said, offering hope that the authorities are committed to resolving the issue and ensuring the safety of the community.
