The Star, Wednesday April 4, 2012

Venice Hill residents want Rela presence to keep African community in check

Residents of Venice Hill in Kajang are living in fear following the mob-like attack on their management office by more than 200 Africans on Sunday and insist on Rela’s presence in the area.

Some of the Africans, who were armed with machetes, knives and iron rods, were involved in a stand-off with the police after smashing glass window panels of the management office.

They went on a rampage when they learnt one of their countrymen who allegedly tried to rape a 50-year-old woman died after being assaulted by Rela members who were providing security services at the condominium.

A resident, who declined to be identified, said the residents wanted the Rela personnel to continue patrolling the area that houses more than 2,500 people, including about 300 Africans.

Aftermath: Windows of the Venice Hill management office were broken by a group of angry Africans.

 

“We hold no grudges against the the African community in our area but they have to respect our laws and the women living here.

“Women cannot come out from their units and walk peacefully without some of the Africans ogling at them.

She said the Rela officers were doing a great job, including arresting several car thieves as well as solving house break-in cases and curbing prostitution in the area.

Magazine editor Fazri Mohd, 38, who witnessed the commotion on Sunday, said he was shocked when he saw several Africans armed with machetes charging at him and several policemen.

“They continued running after us even when police had pointed their guns at the charging mob,” he said, adding that he witnessed the angry mob hurl stones at the windows of the guardhouse as well as management office.

Damaged: The security guard post is not spared from the mob attack.

 

Joint Management Committee vice-chairman R. Ragunanthanan said the management had lodged several reports about unruly behaviour as well as drug abuse and prostitution but nothing much was done resulting in them hiring Rela officers.

“We need help before the matter gets out of control. We have had numerous meetings with the African community but nothing much has changed.

“Residents are disappointed that police did not call for reinforcement despite being outnumbered by the Africans,” he said.

Ragunanthanan said there had been previous cases involving Africans, including one who fell to his death while trying to evade a drug raid by the authorities.

“They are so daring that they can even climb from balcony to balcony. We want Rela and the relevant authorities to continuously conduct raids in Venice Hill as we believe it the only way reduce the number of illegals and trouble-makers here,” he said.