Gaps next to railway a concern
Criminals use these gaps in the wall in Stormvoël Road to escape once a crime is committed.
Gaps in a wall next to railway tracks in the Moot are causing concern, locals claim.
They say criminals use these gaps in the wall in Stormvoël Road to escape once a crime is committed.
“It is an easy shortcut to get away quickly,” said resident Winston Campbell.
Campbell said one gap was created when a gate in the wall was stolen by criminals.
“The gate was made of steel, which criminals normally sell as scrap metal,” he said.
The other gap in the wall was caused by a car accident.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle and drove right through the wall last year,” he said.
“Since then, the hole has remained open.”
Campbell said he was afraid that these holes were a lure to their community.
He lives only a few metres away from one of the holes.
“Not only do criminals use these holes to escape, but they can also use them as a shortcut to remain undetected when entering Eersterust,” he said.
Eersterust CPF chairperson Henry Godfrey said they were aware of the issue.
“We regularly try to monitor the area as it remains a hot spot,” he said.
READ MORE: Railway networks under siege – Prasa
He said when criminals escape through the gaps in the wall, it was difficult to follow because the area was dark and at times overgrown.
“The criminals know this, which is why they go there to escape,” he said.
Godfrey suggested that people work together to try to curb the problem.
“We regularly motivate residents to join us in patrols and to become members of the CPF,” he said.
It was important to stop the criminals who were stealing in the area, he added.
“So many gates have been stolen in Eersterust. This includes the gates at the old bowls field and at the cemetery.”
Godfrey urged scrapyards in the area to report suspicious items that they receive.
“We need to work together to curb crime in the area,” he said.
“If we are able to stop these criminals, then places will stay secure and we will not have the problems we currently do.”
In Villieria and surrounds, the same issue existed with gaps in the fencing around the railway line there.
However, thanks to an action by AfriForum Moot and Oos Moot neighbourhood watches these gaps were closed up.
They were able to accomplish this thanks to donations.
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