There will soon be more officers patrolling the crime-stricken viewpoint, Fort Klapperkop to stem the resurfacing crime.
This is according to MMC for community safety Karen Meyer who said they are looking to beef up security in the nature reserve by adding more officers from the bicycle and equestrian units.
Ward councillor Shaun Wilkinson said “it would seem that the gang that used to operate there has returned and we have had multiple attacks in recent times.”
“People must be very careful in the area, knife-wielding thugs are harassing, intimidating, attacking and robbing users of the hill.”
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He warned that visitors should always let people know of their whereabouts, cyclists must also cycle in groups and be fully aware when they are in the area to avoid falling victim.
“Until further notice, from stakeholders such as SAPS and TMPD on how to combat the crime that is resurfacing there, people must exercise extreme caution,” said Wilkinson.
Meyer told Rekord that the TMPD would deploy the Equestrian Unit as often as possible to patrol the reserve.
“Members on horses frequently patrol the fence and the bicycle route, which is inaccessible for members in vehicles.”
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“Special Operations also do visible patrol on the main routes through the reserve and at the viewing points.”
She said adding more officers to the TMPD bicycle unit would also increase visibility and give a sense of security to cyclists in the reserve.
The adding of manpower depends on the need of an area according to Meyer.
“It depends on the need, if we know that there is a problem, we add more shifts and people, it depends.”
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She said deploying TMPD equestrian unit permanently would not be possible as the stables at the reserve didn’t meet metro standards.
Meyer warned the visitors to be vigilant, avoid being isolated from others and leave their valuables, which could make them targets, at home.
“Also make sure you have emergency numbers available in case of an emergency.”
“We are doing all we can, we cannot be all over the city at all times but we are trying our best to be at hot spots and problematic areas,” said Meyer.
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The reserve is no stranger to brazen and heinous attacks, with as many as 35 incidents previously reported
These ranged from muggings to scenes akin to the wild west where private security officers and brazen criminals had each other in the cross hairs.
The crime died down following stringent security measures such as closing the reserve and increasing, vehicle and horseback patrols.
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