Mamelodi East police have received several complaints from the public and motorists about crime near the Heatherly dumping site.
Police said motorists, truck drivers and people living near the dumpsite were being robbed of their belongings.
Spokesperson Captain Michael Mbewe said police had declared the area a crime hot spot after receiving many complaints of theft out of motor vehicles from motorists and truck drivers.
“They complained that while they were off-loading at the dump site, recyclers pretended to help them only to steal valuable items such as cellphones and laptops or anything that is in their vehicles,” said Mbewe.
He said the recyclers have created self-made speed humps to slow down vehicles going to the dumpsite.
They (recyclers) would hitch a ride on the bakkies and trucks going to the dumpsite and off-load scrap before the vehicles reach the dumpsite and sell it to the nearest scrap yard.
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There have also been reports of common robbery and rape cases reported from the dumpsite.
Recently the Mamelodi East police investigated a case of murder after the body of an unidentified man was found lying behind a heap of rubble near the dumping site.
“The victim was in his late 20’s. He was found half naked with only a red T-shirt on,” said Mbewe.
The police appealed for information regarding the identity of the victim, or any other leads to assist in the investigation.
Mbewe urged residents of Nellmapius extension 24 to avoid isolated areas near the road to the dumpsite, especially after dark and always to walk in groups when going to work or after work.
Nellmapius community leader Jabu Mtshweni said when the Tshwane metro relocated Phomolong informal residents to Nellmapius extension 24 they promised security and metro police presence, as well as transport for school children.
“None of this has happened to date.”
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He said residents had to walk long distances to get transport to work and to school.
“The road leading to Heatherly dumping site should be cleaned as it is littered with rubbish. Another hazard is the constant stink in the area.
“We also desperately need schools, clinics, a mobile police station and transport for children in this area,” said Mtshweni.
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