A brazen daylight robbery in the Verulam CBD on Tuesday morning has led to the Verulam Business Forum reiterating its call for improved security in the area. The incident occurred when four armed men accosted a pedestrian on Todd Street at around 8:30am. Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers who were patrolling the area spotted the robbery in progress and reacted, with one officer pursuing the suspects on foot.
The suspects, armed with a knife and a firearm, allegedly shot at the RUSA officer during the pursuit, but managed to evade arrest by fleeing into nearby bushes and a taxi rank. According to Prem Blaram, head of RUSA, the officer was unable to return fire due to the presence of several pedestrians and commuters in the busy taxi rank, placing innocent lives at risk. The incident has been condemned by the Verulam Business Forum, which has been calling for meaningful intervention from metro police and law enforcement agencies.
Roshan Lil-Ruthan, chairperson of the Verulam Business Forum, described the daylight attack as a "devastating reminder" that criminals have become emboldened and fearless in the Verulam CBD. He said the footage of the incident was "deeply disturbing" and that an innocent pedestrian was attacked in broad daylight while commuters, shoppers, and business owners looked on in fear. Lil-Ruthan added that the forum had engaged with Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Premier Thami Ntuli, but that promises made have not led to visible change.
The Verulam Business Forum has called for visible policing, sustained operations, foot patrols, intelligence-driven interventions, saturation patrols, and the dismantling of criminal networks to reclaim the CBD. Lil-Ruthan said that businesses, residents, and visitors are paying the price for the increasing crime, with property values suffering and people living in fear. He emphasized that the community is tired of crime statistics and explanations, and that urgent and measurable interventions are needed.
If interventions are not forthcoming, the community would have every reason to consider lawful and peaceful mass action to demand public safety, Lil-Ruthan warned. He said that citizens have every right to demand safety, accountability, and immediate action from those entrusted with protecting them. The forum is demanding that authorities take immediate action to address the crime crisis in the Verulam CBD.
Lil-Ruthan also expressed concern that authorities only respond after communities are forced to take to the streets and protect themselves. He said that it should never require public outrage, marches, and protests to secure basic law enforcement, and that the people of Verulam deserve better. The Verulam Business Forum is determined to hold authorities accountable for ensuring public safety.
The incident has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the crime crisis in the Verulam CBD. The Verulam Business Forum's call for improved security and intervention from authorities has been echoed by residents and business owners, who are demanding a safer and more secure environment.
Key points
- The Verulam Business Forum is demanding visible policing and sustained operations to address the crime crisis in the area.
- The community is tired of crime statistics and explanations, and is calling for urgent and measurable interventions.
- The forum warns that it may take to the streets to protest if crime in the area is not addressed.
