By Sbongile Sokela
Local salon owners in Kwa-Thema say they are living in fear as criminals target them during the festive season. Several salons have reported robberies happening at any time of the day, with both staff and customers being threatened.
One salon owner, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described the situation as frightening and unpredictable. “They come in pretending to be customers,” she said. “The next thing, they pull out a gun. They want customers’ phones, and they demand money at gunpoint.”
Because of these attacks, many salons have been forced to change how they operate. The same salon owner explained how much their daily routine has changed. “We now advise customers to leave their phones at home. By 5pm we are forced to close to avoid the worst that could happen.”
Another hairdresser shared how the robberies have affected their work environment. “You can’t relax. Even when you are doing someone’s hair, you are thinking about whether someone is about to rob you. It’s stressful. We are scared.”
Customers are also worried about their safety. Some now avoid going to salons later in the day, while others prefer visiting only when the salon is full. One resident said, “I love doing my hair for Christmas, but now I think twice. You don’t know if you will walk out with your phone or even your life.”
Local business owners are calling for more police visibility during the festive period. They believe regular patrols could help reduce the robberies and restore confidence among customers.
The anonymous salon owner added, “We just want to work in peace. We are trying to make an honest living. These criminals are destroying our businesses and our confidence.”
Kwa-Thema residents and business owners hope authorities will take urgent action to protect small businesses as December continues. For now, many salons are operating under fear, hoping each day will be safer than the last.
