Crime surges in Inanda during rolling blackouts: Inanda CPF

Members of the Community Policing Forum in Inanda, Durban, have raised concerns over increased crime during rolling blackouts.

Eskom recently downgraded load shedding from Stage 6 to Stage 4 after an unexpected escalation last weekend. The power cuts have led to increased incidents of business robberies and theft, according to local crime prevention groups.

Chairperson of the Youth Crime Prevention Desk, Mbalenhle Mkhize, says the situation puts businesses and residents at risk.

Mkhize says, “We might even experience more of it happening when it’s dark and the business robberies for community businesses is a major issue as well, and it’s a risk that we’re going to have to endure. In the stage six load shedding, the stealing of street lights which further victimizes the citizens.”

“We know that in Inanda we are currently dealing with a high rate of murder and rape. Those are the two major crimes that we are dealing with in our area, and I’m looking at the vulnerability of women in particular and children,” adds Mkhize.

VIDEO | SA feeling the strain of ongoing power cuts: