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\u201cI brought my family from Mitchells Plain to come live out here and thinking that it’s a safe haven.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe tree is right against my wall and criminals are using it to climb over and get onto my property,\u201d said Adonis. \u201cWe thought we were moving somewhere safe, but now I fear for my family\u2019s safety.\u201d
The desperate pensioner has provided video evidence showing exactly how the tree can be used as a criminal access point, with footage captured on 1 December demonstrating the security vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ongoing security threat has placed an unexpected financial strain on Adonis, who has been forced to invest in surveillance equipment despite his limited pensioner\u2019s income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have to spend my pension money on security cameras because the City won\u2019t deal with a tree that\u2019s helping criminals break into my home,\u201d he said. “All I wanted is for the City or Parks and Forest to come to my premises and assess the situation and advise,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The City of Cape Town\u2019s Recreation and Parks Department has acknowledged Adonis\u2019s concerns and made contact to address the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe tree removal request has been referred to an arboriculturist who needs to complete an assessment of the situation,\u201d councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, confirmed. \u201cFollowing the assessment, the complainant will receive a detailed update.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTree removals are governed by relevant by-laws and national legislation,\u201d the Higham stated, indicating that proper procedures must be followed before action can be taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the City has not provided a specific timeline for resolution, officials have committed to expediting the arboriculturist\u2019s assessment and maintaining regular communication with Adonis throughout the process. Meanwhile, Adonis will have to deal with this situation during the festive season which is very concerning for him.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sayed Adonis moved from Mitchells Plain to Oakdale seeking a safe retirement but now fears for his family’s safety as criminals use a street tree to access his property. The pensioner has been forced to spend his limited income on security cameras and has provided video evidence to the City of Cape Town. The City has referred the tree removal request to an arboriculturist for assessment, but no timeline has been provided for 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