Open space at Observatory Ridge to be fenced off
Residents who are terrorised by criminals and live in fear daily, welcomed Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ) plans for the Observatory Ridge.
JCPZ recently stated at a public meeting that an open area leading to the ridge will be fenced off. The ridge is located along the Bez Valley, Yeoville and Observatory border.
A Bez Valley resident, who did not want his name published, said he and other residents have been pleading for a fence or gate in the area for years.
“Someone stole the gate on the Bez Valley side in 2008. Since then, crime is out of control. We sent our children to live elsewhere because we did not want to expose them further to what is happening on the ridge. It is dangerous for them. Children who use the ridge as a short cut are sodomised. Walking just two metres away from your property takes guts. These criminals watch our every move. Our vehicles are broken into. We are forced to look at naked bodies on the ridge. There are a number of rapes on the ridge. Criminals pose as priests to lure women onto the ridge to rape them. The women are forced to pay about R600 for “a prayer that has to be done”. People are often robbed and tied up on the ridge,” said the resident.
Ms Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for the JCPZ, said the ridge was recently visited by officials and they are aware of the danger posed to residents.
“The JCPZ will fence the area within the next month,” she said.
Clr Carlos da Rocha, of ward 66, said the fence which will be installed in Gascoyne Street, will reduce the crime that is affecting residents living in North Avenue, Terrace Road and the surrounding areas.
“It will make it difficult for criminals to gain access to the ridge. There is also an entrance to the ridge in Stewart Drive. However, I believe if the entrance in Gascoyne Street is sealed, it will make a huge difference,” he said.
The resident who did not want his name published said he is pleased the area is going to be fenced.
“We welcome the JCPZ’s action and we would appreciate it if further measures are put in place by the authorities. I have been living here for years. I bought my property because it was a wonderful area. We did not have high walls and security then. We used to go up the ridge and enjoy our time without fear. Now we cannot do that. Vagrants are hunting guinea fowl and also killing the owls. I think the SAPS should patrol constantly. The Jeppe SAPS attends to our complaints but the Yeoville SAPS needs to patrol their section of the ridge,” said the man.
The Yeoville SAPS spokesperson, Constable Thabo Malatji, did previously warn people to be careful or rather stay away from the ridge, also known as the Yeoville koppies.
He said police officers patrol all open spaces in the precinct.
He also stated that fencing would act as a deterrent to crime.
Last week, Const Malatji said, “We welcome the fencing. Now the ridge can be monitored better. Although we constantly patrol the area, criminals still target people. There have been robberies, rapes and other incidents on the ridge. We will continue with our patrols,” he said.
