Residents have raised concerns about the state of overgrown public and private properties in Boksburg.
They said they fear the properties may serve as hideout spots for criminals.
Among the properties pointed out are the privately-owned piece of land on Edgar Road, near O’Hare Street in Jansen Park, the privately-owned property at the intersection of Atlas and Ridge roads in Impala Park, a privately-owned property at the corner of North Rand and Bartlett roads in Beyers Park, and two council-owned vacant properties – one located next to the Rooikraal Landfill Site and the other next to Sunward Lifestyle Shopping Centre.
Deon Pienaar, who lives opposite the property on Edgar Road, said the property is of major concern for him as he has in the past reported several robberies that happened in the overgrown area.
“I always hear mugging victims screaming for help on the property, and this is distressing.
“The property has been in this dire condition for more than a year now. We have lodged complaints with the metro, but no one does anything. It’s frustrating for us residents of the area.
“I’m even afraid to walk around my yard at night because of the nearby jungle,” said Pienaar.
Meanwhile, Thabo Molapo, a security guard at a shopping centre in Ridge Road, Bartlett, said he was robbed near an overgrown property at the intersection of Atlas and Ridge roads, recently.
“The metro has to do something about this property. I’m not the only one who was robbed there. I understand that a lot of people have been robbed at the same spot. We no longer feel safe.”
Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the issue of overgrown grass on privately-owned properties and those that belong to the metro has been referred to the relevant departments.
“Notices will be served to the owners of the private properties, as no person is allowed to cause a public health nuisance with their property,” said Dlamini.
He added that in the event where a property owner doesn’t comply with a notice, the matter will be referred to the corporate and legal department to take further steps.
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