Residents living in fear as housebreakings reportedly increase in Haasendal, Annandale and Kuils River - IOL

Residents in Haasendal, Annandale and surrounding Kuils River neighbourhoods are raising concerns over what they described as an increase in attempted housebreakings, with fears that organised criminals are scouting properties before targeting homes in the early hours of the morning.

Community members claim several incidents have occurred recently, leaving families fearful despite increased security measures and neighbourhood vigilance.

Among those affected is Kuils River resident Hayley Hector, who narrowly escaped becoming a victim when three unidentified men allegedly attempted to break into her Boegoe Crescent home at approximately 4.30am on Friday, October 23, 2026.

According to Hector, the suspects managed to remove a window before the family activated their panic button, sending the intruders fleeing over a vibracrete wall.

"I am so, so afraid. I am anxious, I am angry and I feel violated," she said.

"My home is supposed to be my safe place and at the moment it doesn't feel like that."

Hector said she initially heard what sounded like someone stepping on an object outside her bedroom window, but later realised the clicking noise was allegedly caused by a tool being used to remove the glass.

"They managed to get my window out and the sound that I heard that they stepped on something was the tool clicking," she explained.

The suspects reportedly abandoned the tool, while CCTV footage allegedly captured them inspecting the property and peering through windows.

Two ADT security vehicles responded and searched the premises.

Hector believes the same suspects may have targeted another property in Haasendal shortly after 2am, followed by a home in Kameeldoring, Rouxville, around 3am, before arriving at her residence.

However, police have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that an attempted housebreaking case had been registered.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet. The investigation continues," Twigg said.

A community activist raised concerns about the frequency of incidents, claiming residents were increasingly being targeted while asleep.

"The norm, people are sleeping at night and criminals are coming in the area," the activist said.

The activist raised concerns about possible organised criminal activity involving getaway vehicles.

While praising local police, the activist called for stronger municipal law enforcement and enforcement of by-laws, particularly around suspicious activity in residential streets.

The activist also raised concerns about people lingering on street corners, although no evidence links jobseekers to the attempted break-ins.

"We buy houses to be safe. We work as a community to be safe, we look out for each other."

"It's unfair if people suffer because of criminals that they have to live in fear."

Meanwhile, Hector said she continues experiencing sleepless nights and worries about her family's safety.

The mother said she has tried to shield her 14-year-old child, currently writing examinations, from the full extent of the incident.

Despite her ordeal, Hector said she decided to share her experience to create awareness and encourage residents to remain vigilant.

She hopes her story will prompt other families to be more alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods and take precautions to protect their homes.

Residents have requested increased police patrols, while ADT is reportedly conducting daily patrols at Hector's property.

SAPS has not confirmed an increase in housebreakings across the affected neighbourhoods.