KwaZulu-Natal, Durban: Clermont Township, once a middle income township and thriving community, has descended into chaos as crime and violence grip its streets.
On 25 January last year, three people were shot dead on Zazi Road, near Pinetown. The victims, two men who sold cow heads for a living, were killed at their roadside stalls, while another man was shot in an internet café as he tried to escape the unknown gunmen.
Eyewitnesses report that the suspects approached the victims without warning, firing several shots before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the killing is believed to be linked to a new drug lord emerging in the area, seeking to eliminate competition and establish control.
Furthermore, residents and vendors in the area have come forward with allegations of extortion. They claim that unknown men, referred to as “Izinkabi,” demand a weekly payment of R1000 from street vendors and traders. Those who fail to comply face intimidation and violence.
One street vendor came forward, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a story of her friend’s experience. “He was selling cow heads, and one day, men came and pointed a gun at him, demanding R1000. They told him it was a regular payment he had to make. He was terrified, closed his shop, and ran away. He couldn’t make a profit anymore because of these extortionists.”
In 2022, a businessman’s tavern was vandalized by high school dropouts who stole everything, leaving him with a significant setback. The perpetrators were arrested but released shortly after, only to continue their criminal activities.
Additionally, there are reports of people being mugged at gunpoint by individuals wearing suits and driving cars, targeting commuters going to work. The situation has become so dire that residents fear for their lives, and walking around the township has become a dangerous endeavour.
The community is crying out for help, but the situation seems to be spiraling out of control. It’s time for authorities to act and restore peace to Clermont Township.
About Clermont Township:
Clermont, during the apartheid days was a black middle-income township. It is surrounded by Westville, Kloof, New Germany and Inanda in the distance. Its main road was called Clermont road and named after Sir Clermont, a farmer who sold his land. It was the only place in Durban where black people were able to buy property and build houses. Since the end of apartheid Clermont has been sprawling with shacks as people from the rural areas come and seek work opportunities in the nearby suburbs of Westville and New Germany, Pinetown and Durban.
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