Motorist shaken by rock-throwing incident near Ginger Farm informal settlement
Police say the case is being investigated as malicious damage to property, while the victim believes the incident should have been treated as a violent crime.
Yet another rock-throwing incident has been reported on Main and Witkoppen roads, after a motorist’s vehicle was struck by a large rock while he was driving past Ginger Farm informal settlement at about 06:00.
The victim, Robin Kolberg, said the incident left him shaken and questioning the safety of motorists on Johannesburg roads.
“It was still dark at the time when a large rock struck, not only my bonnet, but also my windscreen. Fortunately, it bounced off and did not penetrate the glass. I was completely shaken and decided not to stop because I feared for my safety.
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“I kept asking myself what is happening in our country and how much more unsafe it seems to become every day.”
Kolberg alleged that the police would not allow him to register the incident as a violent crime or assault, as he was not seriously injured.
“They indicated that the incident would fall under malicious damage to property. I protested and the office stated that it appeared that I did not want to register a case. I decided to register the case regardless, just to get a case number, and waited over three hours to open a case.”
Although Kolberg was dissatisfied with how his case was handled, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, police spokesperson, confirmed that the case falls under malicious damage to property, but is open for further investigations.
“A charge is generated according to the victim’s statement and every case is dealt with on its own merits. Therefore, if only the vehicle was pelted with stones, it would be malicious damage to property, unless there were any other elements of crime detected, then further charges will be added.”
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When it comes to issues about safety, Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the police have static deployments and patrols on highways and byways to ensure the safety of motorists on the road. “Over and above that, the local police stations also have crime prevention units and sector vehicles to patrol hotspots within their policing precincts.”
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy encouraged residents to report these issues to the police, rather than just on community groups on social media. “This will ensure that the cases are recorded and investigated. Please residents, open cases at the police station.”
Crime can be reported at any police station or on the Crime Stop Line at 0860010111.
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