Crime is a problem in Mackenzie Park
"Children were mugged in broad daylight, joggers were accosted and taking an evening stroll was risky.”
According to several residents, the increase in crime and lawlessness in Mackenzie Park Ext One were the reasons the community decided to install gates on Sakabula and Gannet Avenues.
In the November 24 issue, the Benoni City Times reported that some residents complained that the closure of both streets was done illegally and that it was an inconvenience to them.
It has now emerged this was done as a crime prevention measure.
According to community leader Yunus Ahmed, before the installation of the gates, criminals were running amok in the area.
“The crime rate in our extended area was 44 cases of break-ins every month. Criminal elements exploited an unguarded community and wreaked havoc, creating fear and forcing law-abiding citizens to live under siege,” he said.
Ahmed explained children were mugged in broad daylight, joggers accosted and taking an evening stroll was risky.
Also Read: UPDATE: Mackenzie Park road closures
He added refuse bins and taps were stolen, dogs poisoned and outside electrical fittings ripped off.
In a letter to the paper, Mackenzie Park resident Farouk Araie said the enclosures were necessary.
“Many crimes go unreported as citizens are frustrated at the lack of response and the ease with which criminals can infiltrate into our areas,” Araie said.
Ahmed said the lack of action from law enforcement frustrated residents and because of this, 26 of the 27 homes in Sakabula and Kestrel streets signed a petition to have their streets gated.
He stated that the situation has improved since they put up the gates.
“Crime drastically reduced. No bin thefts were recorded on Sakabula and Gannet Streets. Speeding has come to an end and the driving schools which used the streets as their training ground have since left the area.”
On whether the City of Ekurhuleni approved the road closures, Ahmed said, “Misplaced closure paperwork and no feedback and all the time, money, administration and effort spent in the application of 22 November 2017 was futile, which has resulted in the community doing their own gating.”
We sent another query to the municipality about the status of the 2017 application.
Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini insisted the city hasn’t received an application for a road closure in Mackenzie Park.
“As mentioned in the response to the first media enquiry, dated 18 November 2022, the city is not aware of a request for a road closure.
“The city has not received or commented on an application in this regard.
“The applicants must apply in terms of the councils’ approved Policy for the Restriction of Access to Public Places for Safety and Security Purposes. Residents can also apply to the council to close these roads and buy them from the council, in which case they will become private roads,” Dlamini said.
Also Read: Mackenzie Park residents unhappy with road closures
