Prostitution, suspected brothels and drug-related activities continue to spark outrage among Vasco Estate residents, especially those living near Cook and Dingle streets.
A concerned resident recently shared a desperate plea with TygerBurger, saying the situation is worsening while authorities remain inactive.
“I would like to inform you of the prostitution going on in Vasco Estate near Cook and Dingle Street. This has been an ongoing issue for months already. Nothing has been done about the prostitution or the drug houses in and around the area. The police and law enforcement have not addressed the issue, and this is becoming a huge problem during the day and even at night, where a person cannot even have a peaceful rest,” said the resident.
Community safety meeting
The matter was once again brought to the fore during a community safety meeting held in Goodwood on Saturday 5 July. Several residents voiced frustration, particularly over visible sex work along Dingle Road – which some attendees said was evident even as they left the meeting.
Prostitution and suspected brothels were identified as key concerns that threaten the safety and character of the neighbourhood. Community members urged the police and the City’s law enforcement department to take urgent action. A specific brothel was mentioned during the meeting, which encouraged to conduct an on-site inspection in partnership with the police. The local councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg undertook to provide the necessary details to enable further investigation.
Limited resources
In response, law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason acknowledged the ongoing issues but cited resource limitations. “The City’s law enforcement department conducts weekly integrated operations in the area to address these issues, but unfortunately, we cannot police it constantly due to the demands on the service,” he said.
Dyason added that collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies are essential to address the challenges faced in Vasco.
“Planning meetings need to be scheduled amongst enforcement role players and the police to address the challenges. The City’s law enforcement department supports the South African Police Service as the primary crime prevention authority,” he said.
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