While an ANC MP recovers from a attack in her home, there are fears that burglars and robbers are getting off scot-free.
|||Cape Town - As ANC MP Susan van der Merwe recovers from the attack in her Rondebosch home last week, there are fears that burglars and robbers are getting off scot-free.
Van der Merwe, 58, was assaulted and strangled by two intruders who broke into her house on Friday night. She was left with a broken arm as well as cuts and bruises, but is recovering, according to her family.
The police confirmed that two men had robbed her of a small amount in cash and a ring before fleeing. A charge of house robbery has been laid, but no arrests have been made.
Meanwhile, the family of John Commins, 71, who was murdered in his Newlands home in January, are still waiting to see his killers arrested.
The former Western Province Union cricketer was killed after three men climbed through a bedroom window and tied him to his bed.
His daughter, Donne Commins, said she had become frustrated by the lack of progress in the case. Despite offering a large reward to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of her father’s killers, the investigation has been unsuccessful.
“On a positive note, the reward has led to some leads but they haven’t borne any fruit yet. It is frustrating dealing with the police - they don’t seem to communicate everything they have and what they find,” she said.
However, Commins did not blame the police, saying they were trying to do their best with limited resources.
She had now decided to put resources into her own investigation.
“My question is, how much do we all care about the long-term future of our country? Crime is crippling us. It creates investor scepticism, makes good, intelligent people… leave; and it literally kills good citizens like my dad,” said Commins.
Just a month after the Commins murder, Dawnsy Mieny plunged to her death while trying to escape a mugger in the Bo-Kaap. Mieny, 47, had travelled from Jeffreys Bay to join her daughter Jasmin, 21, for the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Cape Town Stadium that night.
They set out on foot for the stadium and were above the disused quarry near Strand Street when they were confronted by a knife-wielding mugger. According to Jasmin the attacker wrestled with her mother for her handbag. Police were not able to respond, after several attempts were made for a follow up.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut said he was unaware of any arrests.
Cape Argus