Edleen residents want solutions for crime
Edleen residents want the councillor, the city and the police to assist them in fighting crime in the area and also enclose the area.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated normal policing work is taking place in Edleen.
He could not elaborate on operations, citing that it fell under the jurisdiction of the SAPS.
This statement comes after the Kempton Express published a story on September 21 focusing on the increased crime levels in Edleen.
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According to residents, the dire situation escalated over the years and they felt their councillor and police had left them at the mercy of criminals.
Most of the criminal acts, according to a resident, are along Plataan Avenue, opposite the railway line.
The residents placed large rocks across Plataan Avenue to address the matter and to make their area safer.
A community member, Phistos Ramano, spoke to the Kempton Express.
“We placed the rocks on the road as a crime prevention measure.
“Not everyone in the community agrees with this measure, but most of us agreed that this is the only way that will make the police and the municipality hear our cries,” said Ramano.
“We decided as a community to have a WhatsApp group to alert one another about suspicious activities in the area,” he said.
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“We rarely see police patrols; one reason the crime is high. If the police can increase their visibility, it would help a lot.”
Residents believe enclosing the area will help combat crime.
Ramono said residents cut the long grass near the railway line to limit hiding spots for criminals.
He added residents wish to have the area enclosed.
Dlamini said the community can apply for an enclosure through the CoE planning department.
“We will thoroughly investigate the matter before we give an outcome to the applicants,” said Dlamini in response to questions asked by the Kempton Express.
He added it was illegal to build or erect any enclosure without the city’s approval.
Norkem Park SAPS sector managers and the Gauteng crime prevention wardens on September 13 removed the rocks blocking the road.
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Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Barbara-Anne Ferreira warned residents not to block the road with rocks.
“The rocks were on a curve in the road that caused two accidents. One accident caused the driver to seek medical attention.
“This is not only illegal but dangerous to road users,” she said.
Residents again blockaded the road minutes after the police left.
Ramano believes the community’s measure to decrease crime in the areas has been working.
“Since we placed the rocks on the road, there has been no suspicious activity.”
The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the Ekurhuleni district communications director, Captain Nelda Sekgobela, on September 19, requesting a comment by September 21.
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Sekgobela referred the enquiry to another department as she was on leave.
We sent another enquiry to 104 Ward Clr Tracey Lourenco on September 19, requesting a comment by September 21.
At the time of going to print, we received no further comment.
