Entrepreneurs Attacked: Ward 4 Unites to Combat Insecurity
Title: Entrepreneurs Attacked: Ward 4 Unites to Combat Insecurity
Content: An increased sense of insecurity has gripped Ward 4 in Port Louis following a violent armed attack that took place on the night of Saturday, October 4. Masked and gloved individuals, driving a stolen car from Pétrin, carefully targeted and assaulted a well-known couple of entrepreneurs in the neighborhood.
Residents' Frustration
This attack has reignited the anger of residents in Ward 4, who have come together as a citizens' collective and a Neighbourhood Watch group. On Tuesday, they gathered to voice their frustrations regarding the insecurity in the area.
Zubeyr Kurrimbokus and Mehfooz Keenoo, active members for over five years, explain that part of the issue stems from the increased presence of drug addicts linked to the methadone distribution center at Dr. A. G. Jeetoo Hospital. According to them, some addicts have taken up residence in abandoned homes, and the group intervenes to secure these locations and alert the police in case of suspicious activities.
"The distribution of methadone in the neighborhood and the provision of food in these centers attract many people to the area," Zubeyr states. The WhatsApp group of the Neighbourhood Watch facilitates sharing videos and reports with the police.
"We have the police on the group; they contact us if needed," adds Mehfooz. They respond quickly to protect residents, especially the elderly. "When we get alerts about suspicious activities, we rush to the scene while waiting for the police to arrive."
Despite these efforts, the neighborhood faces two major issues: the methadone center and the abandoned houses and land, often squatted and used as hideouts for criminals.
Noor, a long-time resident and businessman, supported by Hassen, the neighborhood elder, calls for more police patrols and the relocation of the methadone center.
"Every corner of the street, I can show you these abandoned places," says Noor. These sites are considered dangerous:
"Just by talking, they might stab you or take something."
Residents lament the lack of police presence and the exposure of youth to drugs. Hassen also mentions the presence of petty thieves. "You talk to them, and you end up in trouble," laments the resident.
"We meet with the deputy to seek solutions, but often the police say they have no transport when we call them," Noor expresses.
The demands are clear: secure the abandoned spaces, relocate the methadone center, and enhance police presence, especially during off-peak hours.
Despite everything, residents commend the cooperation among neighbors and the effectiveness of Community Policing in preventing incidents and improving safety in Ward 4.