Humansdorp, a town which was once a safe place for elderly people to retire, has seen an increase in robberies and assault at the Ons Tuiste Retirement Home, which has left many of the residents fearing for their safety.
Manager of Ons Tuiste, Martie Zeelie, said that since May this year there has been an increase in break-ins and robberies at the home.
She said that Heugh Street, where the main entrance is located, has become a big problem with residents being robbed and hurt as they enter and exit the premises.
“Humansdorp used to be the perfect place for elderly people to retire because the town is small, and the shops are close by. Unfortunately, this is not the case anymore, as the elderly are being targeted,” said Zeelie.
She said that in the last six months thieves had broken into at least 15 cars and a cottage in Du Plessis Street.
“The residents always enjoyed going for walks and going to the shops but now they are too afraid to leave the premises,” said Zeelie.
“Their safety has been taken away from them and they are now stuck inside the premises all day long.”
Apart from the safety concern for elderly residents, she said that their employees have also been targeted while leaving the premises on their lunch break.
Jason Hamilton, vice chairperson of Kouga Neighbourhood Watch said that residents from the Ons Tuiste occupy flats and cottages in Heugh Street, Church Street, Du Plessis Street and Piet Uys Street.
He said that they have seen an increase in crime in each street with cars being broken into and elderly people being targeted since Heugh Street and Piet Uys Street lack sufficient lights, cameras and 24/7 security.
“There are a lot of dark hidden places with thieves waiting for the elderly people to walk by,” said Hamilton.
To combat the crime in the area and to keep the elderly safe, he said that when the home hosts functions, the neighbourhood watch patrols the premises and accompanies the elderly to the nearby church when needed.
“We patrol inside and outside the home throughout the day and night and when we see elderly people walking alone, we accompany them to and from the home to ensure that they are safe,” said Hamilton.
He said that they have placed a neighbourhood watch notice board in the area and they are currently working alongside local security companies to install cameras and panic buttons, which will allow residents to alert them when they are in danger.
Furthermore, they are planning to increase the number of patrols done at night-time, especially during the festive season.
Zeelie said that in addition to the work done by the neighbourhood watch, Ons Tuiste has also put together a security committee to keep the residents safe.
She further said that they are planning on providing visitors with a safer parking area and they are currently working on an enclosed drop-off zone for residents who return from the hospital at night and for the staff who work night shift.
“The drop-off zone will allow residents and employees to press the intercom where a motorised gate will open and then close behind them,” said Zeelie.
“This will provide residents and employees with a safe place to drop off and park at night-time.”
For this project to be completed the home needs bricks for paving, cameras, a roof, intercom and electricity.
Zeelie said that she is therefore hoping that local businesses will be willing to contribute to their drop-off zone.
- For more info contact Martie Zeelie on 042 295 1159 or email manager3@lantic.net. Also visit Ons Tuiste Humansdorp’s Facebook page.
