A Rondebosch father has called on the southern suburbs community to “take to the streets” to protest against crime after his son became a victim of a house robbery, apparently at the hands of a crowbar gang.
Engineer Ishaq Ebrahim said the break-in at his son’s Sprigg Road, Rondebosh East property on Wednesday July 27 had dredged up painful memories for the family, as, three years ago, five armed men had stormed their property in Milner Road, Rondebosch, and made off with some R400 000.
“It is just a question of time before someone becomes the next victim. As a community, we have to go to the streets to say enough is enough. We should not be afraid anymore,” Mr Ebrahim said.
The robbery at Mahir Ebrahim’s home occurred at about noon last Wednesday.
“Both my son and his wife were at work when they struck. They forced open the front door with what is suspected to be a crowbar, and stole laptops, televisions and watches.
“The alarm was activated by they cleaned the place out in about six minutes.”
According to Mr Ebrahim, police officers who arrived on the scene told the family a crowbar gang was responsible, and that the sinister crime outfit which has targeted Captonians for years comprised ex-police or army members. “A person nearby managed to get the licence plate number of their getaway car, an Audi, which we were told was a stolen vehicle.”
Mr Ebrahim said he did not blame police for crime levels, as they were understaffed.
“They cannot tackle the problem alone.
“As a community we have to send out a message that crime will not be tolerated.”
Crowbar gang activity has been relatively quiet compared to 2015, but recently several incidents were reported in Cape Town’s northern suburbs.
On a single day, Wednesday June 29, three suspected crowbar intrusions were reported in Plattekloof Glen and Welgelegen. Incidents have also been reported in Parow, Monte Vista and Goodwood. Crowbar intrusions were also reported in Stellenberg and Melkbosstrand last month.
Attempts to get comment from Claremont police station commander Colonel Enolium Joseph proved unsuccessful, as he was on local government elections duty.
