In a bid to protect their homes and businesses from what they describe as a never-ending series of armed robberies, a group of Lilianton (Witfield) residents has taken matters into their own hands by enclosing a crime-riddled stretch of Solomon Road.

However, their desperate action has met resistance from fellow residents who claim they are being denied access to a public road because of the “illegal” closure. It appears that the group, along with several others, installed the barricades without obtaining official authorisation.

In defence, the residents who fenced off the area said their actions were driven by desperation. Speaking to the Advertiser on site, they said turning the stretch into a gated area was a case where the end justified the means for the group of residents whose properties and lives are directly affected by daily crime.

Objectors demand removal of road closure
One concerned resident, who asked not to be identified, questioned whether the required public participation and assessments were followed in line with the city’s by-laws on road enclosures.

“They did not follow due process. We were not consulted, and as it stands now, this enclosure is illegal. I guess the authorities will deal with them.

“We all want safe communities, but they cannot just do as they wish and show no respect for the rule of law. They have not even put up reflective chevrons to warn motorists about the dead end. Will they take responsibility should someone drive into these gates?” the resident asked.

Residents cite urgent need for action
Businessman John Farren-Handford and homeowner Harry van Binsbergen admitted that while they have already submitted an application to the council for approval, the municipality has not yet taken a final decision on whether to permit restricted access to the road.

“It was a desperate response to the urgent need to protect our community from persistent violent crimes,” Farren-Handford explained.

“Over the past 18 months, we have been subjected to a series of violent incidents, including deadly armed robberies, where our properties, clients and staff, as well as pedestrians, have been ambushed by gangs of gunmen. In one of the latest incidents, a pedestrian was shot multiple times at point-blank range and robbed of his belongings right next to our properties.
“Our actions were meant to use the two gates to monitor access for security purposes. We now understand that we should have exercised patience and waited for final approval, which is why we have called a halt to the access restriction and are keeping the gates open pending the outcome of our application.”

Broad support from immediate neighbours
Both Farren-Handford and van Binsbergen said they were surprised by the complaints, as they believed the proposal had received full support from residents and business owners directly affected by the crime hotspot.
“The people who will be directly affected all agreed that the crime levels justified the enclosure to prevent further violence, protect lives and restore some sense of security within the community,” van Binsbergen said.

“The recent shootings and robberies, which happened right in front of my house, highlight the need for action against the persistent threat to life and property in this area. We believe that the enclosure will deter criminal activity and assist law enforcement in restoring order.”

Illegal enclosure to be removed
The Development Planning and Real Estate Department confirmed receiving an application from the Solomon Residents Association in September.
“The application is receiving attention. However, it can be confirmed that no permission has been granted for any road closure since the application has not been finalised yet,” said metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

He added that the city will take action to remove the illegal road closure structures and allow the application process to reach finality.
Ward councillor Ashley Hoods said that although the residents’ motivation for the enclosure was understandable, due process must be observed.

“As things stand, the road closure contravenes the city’s policy on the construction of security and access restriction facilities. The policy outlines the guidelines and steps the public must follow to legally erect road closures,” he said.

How to apply for an enclosure
Hoods reminded residents that to apply for a road closure in the City of Ekurhuleni, a completed event application form must be submitted with a site plan clearly outlining the road and the location of any structures.
For permanent closures or gated communities, applicants also need a motivating memorandum, proof of consent from affected residents (at least two-thirds), and detailed plans and traffic studies.

Requirements include:
• A non-refundable administrative fee of R3 733.90
• A description of the public place which is the subject of the application
• A description of the circumstances giving rise to the application
• The category and estimated number of persons affected
• A description of the nature and extent of the restriction sought
• An indication of what other security measures have been considered and why they are not successful
• Proof that at least two-thirds of affected residents approve of the restrictions
• Long-standing community issues

Illegal dumping

Apart from armed robberies, the secluded stretch of Solomon Road has for years suffered environmental degradation from extensive illegal dumping, mostly industrial waste, and a broken ageing sewer system that continuously pollutes the area and downstream water bodies.
Residents’ efforts to get authorities to stop the illegal dumping and to repair the sewer system have so far proved unsuccessful.

Also Read: Metro responds to concerns over illegal dumping in Sky Street