By Doreen Wessels | DA Councillor Phumelela Local Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Doreen Wessels and Sesotho soundbite by David Maseou MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will prioritise engaging with law enforcement and Phumelela Local Municipality’s authorities to address the escalating crime in Warden and ensure lasting solutions for community safety.
In recent weeks, Warden has faced a surge in crime, leaving residents scared and traumatised. Criminals are breaking into homes, even when people are inside. Shockingly, they poison pets with Temik, a harmful pesticide, before entering—a cruel act that leaves families heartbroken and vulnerable. Everyone is at risk, regardless of age. As fear spreads, many residents feel forced to leave the town.
The Station Commander of Warden has expressed grave concern about the severity of the crime, yet few arrests have been made and even fewer convictions secured.
We are committed to holding the police accountable and will continue to pressure them to remove criminals from the streets. We also urge law enforcement to prioritise investigations and increase visible policing in hotspots. Additionally, we call for stricter penalties for using Temik, given its devastating role in these crimes.
Another critical issue is the unreliable street lighting in Warden. After considerable effort, the municipality recently repaired the lights, only to fail again within a day. Well-lit streets deter crime and provide residents with a greater sense of security. The DA demands immediate, sustainable repairs to the streetlights and will push for regular maintenance schedules to prevent recurring failures.
The rising crime rate has dire consequences for the community, eroding trust, displacing families, and crippling local morale. By addressing the root causes and insisting on accountability, the DA is determined to restore safety and stability to Warden.