Community outraged by death of man (93), who was assaulted by robbers

COMMUNITY leaders in Shallcross have expressed outrage following the tragic death of a 93-year-old pensioner days after he was brutally assaulted during a house robbery.

Vasdev Ramdhani, 93, of Madho Road, died in hospital on April 25, a week after he was assaulted and robbed at his home.

According to Mzansi Fire and Security, Ramdhani and his tenant were held at knifepoint by two suspects and assaulted. Their hands and legs were tied.

 “The suspects ransacked the outbuilding in search of jewellery but escaped with electronic devices, including a cellphone, laptop, tablet, and TV. They attempted to steal a silver Hyundai Getz but were thwarted by the vehicle's anti-hijack system,” the security company said in a statement.

Ramdhani’s family declined to comment.

Following Ramdhani’s murder, residents and community leaders have united in their call for a satellite police station and more patrols to combat crime in the area.

In recent weeks, three elderly residents were attacked and assaulted during home invasions, while waiting for their transport and walking in the neighbourhood.

Ronnie Naidoo, who was a recent victim of a house robbery, said he could not sleep since he was robbed a month ago. 

“Crime impacts our daily lives. I have lived in fear since hearing of the spate of robberies. But since I became a victim, I have had sleepless nights and continuously live in fear. I think that by having a satellite police station in Shallcross, it would curb crime, as there would be a quicker response time from police  and this will deter criminals,” he added.

Another resident, Lallie Pillay, said she too lived in fear, especially after her neighbour was attacked during a home invasion.

“My neighbour is an elderly woman and she was violently assaulted when armed men stormed her home last week. She had to be rushed to hospital. This has left me traumatised, and wondering who will be the next victim. 

“I am joining the call for a satellite police station for the Shallcross area as I am tired of living in fear,” she said.

Vishal Lachman, chairman of the Shallcross Community Policing Forum (CPF), said they had noted an increase in contact crimes - including home invasions – in the area.

He noted that the theft of copper, taps and water meters were also high.

“The Shallcross CPF is actively working to address crime through community engagement, patrols, and collaboration with law enforcement and security companies,” he said.“We are exploring additional security measures, including permanent patrols and camera projects, to enhance community safety. I am deeply saddened by this recent incident which claimed a resident's life. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the vulnerable like the elderly,” added Lachman.

He called on the Shallcross community to unite and work together in the fight against crime.

“We need more volunteers in the CPF. We also encourage victims of crime to open up cases. Our biggest challenge is that crime is not being reported,” he said. Mahendra Lilkan, a Shallcross community leader, said he had noted a spike in crime in Chatsworth and Shallcross.

“Although the police are trying their best, these criminals remain a few steps ahead of them and have become brazen. It is sad to see that an elderly man was badly assaulted during a home invasion and later lost his life. How many more victims will there be?” asked Lilkan.

He said they were grateful to the private security companies that operated in the area and had a quick response time.

“But we need a more proactive solution to curb crime. We need to be innovative and proactive instead of reactive. We also really need to be more observant and vigilant of our surroundings and get to know our neighbours. They will be the first to assist and their timeous assistance could make the difference between life and death," he said.

Dhivesh Durgaparsad, a resident, said the increase in armed robberies and home invasions in Shallcross warranted more effective policing.

“There is definitely an increase in contact crimes. Last week, two elderly residents were assaulted during a house robbery. There was another incident where a resident was assaulted after he confronted two suspects on his property. He was stabbed on his face. We believe that unemployment and drugs are driving crime in Shallcross,” he added.

He urged residents to be more vigilant.

“The need for a satellite police station is dire. But it would be futile if residents did not report crimes immediately. The attack on our elderly is a cause for concern. Residents also need to be cautious when hiring workers off the street to clean their homes and gardens,” he added.

Durgaparsad urged residents to conduct proper background checks on helpers and gardeners before employing them.

Previn Vedan, a lawyer and human rights activist said crime was not just about criminals.

“It is about systems which have failed, communities that have fractured and a society struggling to remember its shared humanity. When I was a victim of a stabbing, I felt fear in its rawest form. The cold grip of terror that knows no mercy. Yet I also felt something else, a surge of compassion from community members who had rushed to visit me and share words of comfort.

“It was a warm reminder to me that we are more than statistics or headlines. And that is the duality of Shallcross, as real violence touches our families, but so does real humanity,” he added.

Vedan said residents were living in fear, but encouraged them to join the CPF’s to curb crime.

“We cannot pretend the threat is not real. There are criminals among us, and we mourn every victim. But fear itself can be used against us. Through continuous engagement, we can build inclusive forums like the Shallcross CPF. We need to include women, men, young people, business owners, religious leaders and those often unheard. Every voice has its place at the CPF table because safety is a shared responsibility. 

“Security companies need to also step up. They need to engage ethically with our communities, enforce the law with respect, and report transparently. They must be partners in justice, not profiteers of fear,” added Vedan.

He said organisations and authorities needed to fix the root causes of the elements which drove crime.

“We must redefine social cohesion to be our strategy and host dialogues across our cultural lines, host community soccer leagues, and events that help rebuild trust among neighbours. We can create a united Shallcross where every citizen, young or old, lives with the dignity they deserve, in a community that is both safe and fair,” he said. 

Police did not comment at the time of publication.

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