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“Four business robberies with aggravating circumstances within approximately 12 hours, with pensioners being the main victims, is a crying shame, the state must protect our senior citizens, because they are soft targets.” This is the reaction of Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety after nine senior citizens were wounded by robbers in Pretoria roundabout 6:00 this morning, while three similar incidents took place in Durban.

Cameron is of the opinion that it is a common concept which simply entails that the South African Police Service (SAPS) must place reinforcements in manpower at all pension withdrawal points. Visible policing is the answer in bringing such a crisis under control.

“If the state is not going to take responsibility with regards to protecting the country’s senior citizens, AfriForum will take its own initiative in ensuring that citizens of the country are safeguarded in areas where we already have safety structures in place. It is an increasing trend that communities must look after their own safety,” added Cameron.

Cameron further mentioned that violent crime is increasing in South Africa and that communities must be able to protect themselves. According to him, the ANC-led Government no longer cares about its citizens, but is only concerned about himself.

“AfriForum will continue training communities in various security disciplines,” concluded Cameron.

Issued by AfriForum