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N West elderly population target for criminals

Elderly people.
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An 11.7% of the elderly population in the North West province live alone. This makes them vulnerable to attacks and criminal activities.

Barseba village near Brits has become a hub for criminals who attack elderly people. Housebreaking, robbery and stock theft are rife in this village.

The Community leader  Meshack Sono says: “Here in Barseba, we’ve got a very serious problem concerning robbery, stock theft. Crime is very high in our village. That’s why we are making a strong appeal to the government, especially from the police sector. They must come and combine with the community.”

Elderly people who live on their own are often targeted.

63-year-old Elizabeth Thage lives alone. She has been physically attacked several times and her house broken into. She says she fears for her life.

“I live in fear. I always make sure my windows are closed and if my door is locked. My house has been broken into by someone. He beat me up. I screamed and got helped by a neighbour. I was hospitalised because he had broken my ribs. I had him arrested but the following day he was out again.”

Local police have now organised an awareness campaign. They teach the elderly on how to protect themselves.

Through the programme they are reminded to make sure that their windows are closed, doors locked and they shouldn’t talk about cash they have in their houses.

A local pensioner Nancy Rakotha says: “I’m happy because I know that as we are gathered here, with the help of the police, we are really protected and secure.”

Police say such initiatives should not be limited to events, but rather continuous programmes to ensure that the elderly are protected.

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