EMPD will be watching Minnebron off-road riders
EMPD officers have been monitoring the area, and will continue with follow-up observations.
The EMPD has affirmed that officers will monitor the Minnebron area following complaints from residents about off-road bikers causing mayhem in the suburb.
In a letter published in the Brakpan Herald’s May 22 edition, a resident shared how illegal off-road biking in Gert Bezuidenhout Street has become a weekly disturbance, leaving residents frustrated and calling for enforcement action.
“This is no longer a peaceful residential area. It has degenerated into an unregulated, chaotic race track for off-road bikes,” the letter reads.
“Every weekend, adults and minors alike treat our public road as a private playground.
“This kicks off every Friday night in pitch darkness. Because off-road bikes lack headlights, indicators, and registration, these riders tear up and down the road blindly, endangering themselves and everyone else.
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This reckless behaviour continues until Sunday evening.
“Despite compiling extensive photographic and video evidence and submitting formal reports, absolute silence is the only response we receive.
“Living here has become psychological torture. Our children cannot study for their exams, and residents cannot enjoy a fraction of peace in their own homes.”
The Herald’s request for comment from the City of Ekurhuleni at the time remains ignored.
The same resident reached out to the Herald again in August, describing the situation as “getting out of hand.”
“We cannot live in this street anymore,” the resident stated.
Another resident, who loves along Koos Vorster Street, said that since moving to the area, “my life is a living hell.”
According to this resident, the riders are mostly teenagers.
“These boys on their bikes intimidate me, riding up and down near the wall, kicking up dust and grass that I am cleaning every day,” said the resident.
“I can’t sleep at night, as I have an autoimmune condition. One, I am allergic to dust. The big problem I have is they race around the children playing on jungle gyms.”
The resident claims to have been verbally assaulted by one young rider and two adults.
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EMPD media liaison officer Lerato Monyane told the Herald that officers recently monitored the area and engaged with one of the adult bikers.
“He said they will go deep inside the bushes, but a follow-up will be conducted,” said Monyane, adding that no activity was reported during recent observations.
“We suspect that the last gentleman we engaged with may have alerted the rest of the group about the complaint that was lodged.
“We will continue to monitor the area.”
Monyane added that should any activity occur while officers are attending to other areas or duties, residents can call 011 999 8498/8660/8862/4508.
