Concerns over a man accused of harassing motorists at intersections in Paulshof have prompted calls for municipal authorities and police to intervene.

More women have reportedly come forward after motorist Sam Wright reported being harassed by a man standing in the middle of the road at the intersection of Witkoppen and Main roads.

Read more: Fourways women report alleged harassment at Paulshof intersection

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said residents reported seeing the same man at different intersections, where he allegedly bangs furiously on vehicles and confronts motorists.

Reddy visited several intersections in Paulshof on October 6 where the man was believed to have moved, but he was not seen. The area around Witkoppen and Main roads was then revisited, with time spent observing the intersection where the reported incidents took place.

Reddy said he had also driven through the area two days ago, from the intersection of Witkoppen and Main roads along Main Road towards Sloane Street and up to Grosvenor Crossing, to check whether the man was still in the area. He said he had not seen him during either drive.

Reddy explained that the man had previously been removed from an intersection by the City of Johannesburg and taken to a place of safety.

“I have written to the region and JMPD to actually take him into care,” Reddy said.

He said the city would need to coordinate a multidisciplinary response involving emergency medical services, social services, health services, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) before intervention could take place.

“The person would be taken to a place of safety for evaluation and given the necessary care if he requires it.”

Reddy said the process had not yet taken effect and that authorities were working to ensure the correct procedures were followed.

“We are conversing with JMPD and SAPS and the region to make sure that the process is right.”

He added that the man could not simply be removed from an intersection because doing so would be unlawful, noting it was thought the man may be unwell and require primary care and medication.

He stressed, however, that a person could not be held against their will and could potentially return to the area after being released.

Meanwhile, Reddy urged motorists and residents not to confront the man themselves and instead report incidents to the appropriate authorities.

“People should not get involved in this matter. They should leave it to the security services like SAPS or JMPD to intervene.”

Reddy said JMPD would deal with matters relating to municipal by-laws, including people standing or begging at intersections, while harassment allegations should be reported to SAPS.

Douglasdale Police Station commander Brigadier Veeshani Arikum confirmed that a case had been opened at the station. Arikum said JMPD was responsible for dealing with cases of this nature.

Also read: Traffic flows freely again after Montecasino intersection upgrade

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla was contacted for comment and said he would revert on October 5. No response had been received by October 6 despite a follow-up request.

Reddy urged anyone who experiences harassment or has information about the man’s whereabouts to report it to their local Community Policing Forum, SAPS, JMPD or himself.

“Nobody should feel unsafe, driving or even moving around, and we will do our best to ensure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!