Spate of crime may be subsiding

The danger of being mugged on and near Rabie Street under the N1 Highway in Randpark Ridge, might soon be a concern of the past.

Since March, Randburg Sun and police are only aware of two crime-related incidents in the area, leading to the hypothesis stated by Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood that the crime wave seems to have “abated”.

The area is situated on the border of Honeydew and Linden police’s jurisdiction and vagrants, who are known to live under the highway, were suspected by some residents of the muggings at the beginning of the year.

Wood said he had not heard of any muggings since the spate and believes that muggings in the area have declined.

Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said no Metro police operation had occurred in the area since February.

“We are monitoring the area carefully and if need be, we will act again,” added Minnaar.

Honeydew police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said only one incident had recently been reported at the station.

An armed man robbed a cyclist of R300 on Essenhout Drive, Randpark Ridge.

Desiree Bezuidenhout (25) was another recent victim of a smash-and-grab while waiting for the traffic light to change on the nearby corner of Rabie Street and Monkor Road, Randpark Ridge.

“I had no air-conditioner so my window was open,” she said.

“A man came and tried to take my phone. I dropped it on the floor. He hit me in the face and we struggled over my handbag, which he took and ran.”

Bezuidenhout explained that the driver behind her saw the man flee into the bushes on the corner.

She left with a bruised arm and eye and reported the incident to the Honeydew police, although Jacobs did not mention the incident when asked about recent crime in the area.

No crime update has been received from Linden police spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu by the time of going to print.