Just days after an elderly man, believed to be in his 80’s, died alone in his house in Rugby, Milnerton, criminals are having a field day, invading his property and stealing his belongings.
Concerned neighbours are calling on the police to intervene, as he (the man) has no next of kin.
“There are no next of kin known anywhere. The body of this man is lying in the mortuary unclaimed and unidentified,” says resident Bev Shapiro.
In the meantime, the contents of the house he lived in for nearly 40 years are being emptied and taken by anyone who gains access.
“The police are not doing anything to assist in blocking folks from dismantling the home and contents. Someone in the neighbourhood has taken papers and IDs from the house and will not hand these over,” Shapiro says.
Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she lives just around the corner from the deceased.
“The old man always kept to himself and never bothered anyone. This is sad what criminals are doing to his place – one can no longer recognise it. The police need to do something about this. Because of his belongings being stolen, his house has become a hotspot for criminals and they are now roaming around our streets. I fear for my safety and that of my children,” she says.
Shapiro is urging the community to take a stand against criminal activity and assist by any means possible.
“So, do we as decent citizens of Milnerton ignore this? Ignore the fact that this body lies unclaimed on a slab in the mortuary?” she says.
Other residents are asking the community to assist with a proper funeral for the deceased.
Milnerton police spokesperson Capt Nopaya Madyibi says she can confirm that an inquest case was registered at Milnerton Police Station for investigation.
Asked regarding the safety of residents in the area, Madyibi says the police are patrolling Brooklyn and Rugby areas continuously.
These areas are rife with crime, illegal traders and prostitution – police have since enforced high visibility in the areas in a bid to combat crime.
To report criminal activities in the area, call the Milnerton Police Station on 021 528 3800 or Crime Stop on 086 001 0111.
