Social media creator Sam Wright has accused the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) of failing to patrol a key Paulshof intersection, despite public assurances that officers would monitor the area following widespread complaints of harassment.

Wright went viral after posting a video detailing her alleged harassment by a man at the intersection of Main and Witkoppen roads. Her criticism follows a JMPD statement issued on October 2 after public outrage over the alleged incidents.

Read more: Paulshof motorists concerned over intersection harassment allegations

Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca instructed officers to implement immediate measures, including active monitoring of the intersection and surrounding hotspots.

Officers were instructed to clear anyone violating road and traffic by-laws, obstructing traffic, or engaging in intimidation and criminal behaviour.

The department also stated it was collaborating with the department of social development to offer shelter assessments and support services for displaced individuals. However, Wright, who was among the first to raise concerns publicly, said officers were absent over the weekend. “I have noted your public press release, but it is nothing more than empty words on paper. There was no JMPD presence at this intersection on [October 3] or [October 4],” she said.

She added that the man continued to operate at the intersection despite the official statement. “While you issue statements to the media, the [man] continues to operate freely on our roads, banging on women’s car windows and allegedly terrorising drivers in broad daylight. Public relations statements do not keep women safe; actual officers on the street do.”

Wright accused authorities of using the shared trauma of more than 100 women to gain media coverage while failing to act. “Nothing has been solved. Nothing has changed. This issue now has public visibility and media coverage, and despite all eyes being on you, you have collectively failed us. It is deeply tragic and infuriating how you continue to let down the women of this city,” Wright said.

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said he had escalated reports from residents that the man had moved to nearby intersections.

Fourways Review asked JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla for an update following indications from Douglasdale police that metro police were handling the matter. Fihla was asked whether JMPD was aware of concerns that the individual might be experiencing mental health difficulties and whether this was identified as a factor in the incidents.

Also read: Douglasdale officer accused of theft and harassment

The department was also asked how it deals with cases involving individuals who may have mental health challenges while facing accusations of intimidation or harassment.

Further queries were submitted regarding planned police patrols and updates on previous interactions with the man.

At the time of publication, no response had been received from JMPD or the department.

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