Grids at Rhodes Park water tunnels not an option – JRA

The installation of grids at the entrance and exit points at water tunnels in Rhodes Park may have unintended consequences.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency’s (JRA) acting managing director, Mr Mpho Kau, said security in the park will minimise the use of the tunnel by criminals.

“The installation of grids at the outlets will compromise the capacity and efficiency of the tunnels, especially when large objects are swept up by storm water, or are thrown into the system. These items could get stuck in the grids. The result of decreased capacity could be more devastating, including flooding and damage to properties,” he said.

He called on all affected parties to join hands and fight crime in the park.

“The preventative measures are a joint responsibility by all stakeholders, including the SAPS, communities and government,” said Mr Kau.

This follows the community’s calls for the tunnels to be closed off after the double murder and rape in the park recently.

Two couples were attacked by 12 men while at the park on October 17.

The two men were assaulted and thrown into the lake and one woman was raped. The bodies of both men were found by police divers later that night.

There were reports that the suspects used the tunnels to escape from the scene.

One suspect has since been arrested in connection with the cases.

The ward 66 councillor, Clr Carlos Da Rocha, called for action to deal with the accessibility of these tunnels.

“This is the weak link and a vulnerable part of the park where people can gain access to the park. This is the access used by criminals before and after they perform a crime. We need to put up some fencing around these tunnels,” he said.

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