The safety at Fort Klapperkop in the East of Pretoria is becoming a major issue with the 9th attack in 4 weeks that took place on Thursday evening at around 17.00.
The attack took place at viewpoint two, which is the largest viewpoint West of the water tanks. Operations manager of High Risk Security, Arthur Crewe was on scene shortly after the attack.
He explained that it does not seem as if the latest attack is linked to the others.
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“The other cases were violent from the beginning.”
The modes operandi also differs from previous attacks.
He said that a man was at the viewpoint when he was approached by the suspect who wanted to take the man’s cellphone. The man retaliated and confronted the suspect for taking his phone.
“This is when the suspect got aggressive and pulled out a knife. No injuries were reported.”
Crewe said that one of their patrol vehicles were on the way there when the incident happened. He chased the suspect into the bushes.
“We came with the K9 Unit to search for the suspect in the bushes, but by that time he could not be found.”
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Crewe said that they have searched the bushes on various occasions.
“There is no proof of people living in the bushes. They are coming in from outside.”
He said that the suspects must be watching runners and joggers going into Klapperkop, because they are at all times aware of the activity inside the reserve.
“These people are opportunists.”
He said that people should know that the suspects are not coming from the bushes, but rather sneaking up on victims.
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Ward 59 Councilor, Shaun Wilkinson held a meeting two weeks ago in order to address the general safety at the reserve.
He said at the meeting that he was willing to take up the responsibility to mediate a plausible way forward in order to find a solution.
Wilkinson said that crime in the city should be looked at as a whole as it is becoming an major issue in various areas.
“A meeting will be held on 2 February to provide feedback,” said Wilkinson.
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