Residents and tourists are urged to not avoid the Kensington koppie, but to rather be cautious when visiting the area.
The Jeppe SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Richard Munyayi, said during his patrol of the area that the koppie used to be a provincial attraction.
“This used to be one of the provincial attractions to both locals and tourists. But due to crime, it has lost its value,” he said.
W/O Munyayi said though crime incidents reported from the koppie have declined, they are still occurring.
“Compared to last year this time, we have had fewer incidents reported. The challenge we have is that criminals are said to be using the area to escape after committing crimes at the nearby properties,” he said.
According to W/O Munyayi, street patrollers and the station’s visible policing members patrol the koppie and the surrounding areas frequently to curb crime.
He said the Kensington koppie has become a crime hot-spot.
“Criminals know that some people are unaware that this is a hot-spot. The criminals strike while people are enjoying walks. Some people come here with expensive equipment, like cameras to take photos. Some come as couples to watch the sun set over Johannesburg,” said W/O Munyayi.
He residents to visit the area in large groups, or to ask the police to escort them.
“We would do our best to escort you, or to improve our visibility in the area while you up there. Let us use this beautiful sight with caution,” said W/O Munyayi.
