Enclosure proposed in bid to fight crime

Mr Amos Molope, who has lived in Bez Valley since 2008, believes making Bez Valley a gated area will lead to much-needed safety in the suburb.

He said he and several other residents are tired of crime. “I used to visit Bez Valley when I was a child. Now I live here. Crime has increased over the years and the suburb is losing potential investors,” he said.

He added that crimes such as house burglary, hijacking, theft and armed robbery occurs constantly and he therefore believes an enclosure is the way forward.

“The plan of action is to make Bez Valley a completely gated community, separating it from Bertrams. We want to close streets that enter Bez Valley through Albertina Sisulu Road, Bezuidenhout and 10th streets. All closed roads will have more than one alternative access road for residents, visitors or emergency vehicles,” he said.

Mr Molope said he has gained the support of a few residents he has discussed the proposal with, called the Bez Valley Road Closure Project, and believes more people will show their support.

He said he is working closely with a security company to establish a proposal that can be submitted to the relevant authorities for consideration and approval.

This is the first step of several other ideas Mr Molope is considering.

He also plans on finding ways to secure open spaces in the area.

“This will be after the proposal for an enclosure. I will speak to the relevant authorities regarding the open spaces in the hopes of finding solutions to address crime. There would have to be better lighting, maybe security guards in these areas and so forth. But right now, I am trying to determine what support we have in Bez Valley for an enclosure,” he said.

Mr Molope added that he will circulate a petition calling for an enclosure. For more information, contact him on 074 770 7423 or send an email to amosmolope83@gmail.com

@JoziReporter