In a recent newsletter doing its rounds on social media, ACC councillor Imtiaz Syed, said they had engaged with metro police and Durban Solid Waste to remove the car guards on Peter Mokaba (Ridge) Road and the corner of Hartley and South roads.
Image: File
TO ADDRESS escalating complaints regarding the conduct of car guards in Overport, the Active Citizens Coalition (ACC) is urging local residents to reevaluate their support for these individuals. The call comes in the wake of reports alleging abusive behaviour and criminal activity associated with certain car guards, prompting ACC councillor Imtiaz Syed to take action.
In a recent newsletter doing its rounds on social media, ACC councillor Imtiaz Syed, said they had engaged with metro police and Durban Solid Waste to remove the car guards on Peter Mokaba (Ridge) Road and the corner of Hartley and South roads.
"Over the past few weeks, numerous complaints have been received via our various WhatsApp channels regarding the conduct of the car guards. Reports indicated that some car guards had been behaving abusively towards members of the public and, in certain cases, allegedly causing damage to vehicles.
“This has created a situation where individuals feel pressured to pay car guards in order to avoid potential damage to their vehicles," said Syed in the newsletter.
"We are also led to believe that the car guards in Peter Mokabe Ridge area were informants of car guard syndicates where a few vehicles were stolen in the vicinity under their watch,” he said.
“We appeal to the community at large to stop supporting car guards by giving them money, or even food, as the influx of vagrants in the area is getting out of hand and becoming intolerable and out of control. The result is petty theft and an influx of illicit drugs in the area.
“By continuing to give money to car guards or vagrants in general, you are supporting criminal activity and the influx of vagrants into the area, Syed added.
Responding to the newsletter, Rezo Khan said: "The influx is mainly due to all the drug dens which are within striking distance of where these so called car guards ply their trade."
Imtiaz Khan added: "They need to tackle the car guards - all along Brickfield Road."
Mohammed Junaid Shaik Ebrahim commented: "To much charity in Overport and too many drug dens."
Metro police did not comment at the time of publishing.