Metrorail working on solution to headache fence
“If something happens to my family or property, I will seek legal advice."
Gauteng Metrorail said it would find a solution for the broken palisade fence that has provided a gateway into Muckleneuk to criminals.
Recently, a 51-year-old woman was shot and injured during an attempted robbery in her driveway in Normaal Street.
A week ago, two men snuck through the hole-riddled fence into the neighbourhood and attacked Martha Magdalena Beatty, as she got home from work.
Metrorail spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said the rail company was aware of the challenges associated with the palisade fence in the area.
She said it was repaired twice but was forcefully opened by fare evaders.
“We are the first ones to admit that there is unprecedented escalating levels of criminality directed towards railway infrastructure and asset destruction.”
Mofokeng said metrorail was working closely with law enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution.
READ MORE: Muckleneuk fence a headache
“We also call upon the community to work closely with us and fight crime in our operational environment,” she said.
Members of the community said they were concerned about the safety of the elderly and children in the area.
Jaqui van der Walt said members of the community heard gunshots almost daily, and people running through the streets.
“Whether they are perpetrators or victims one doesn’t know and we are too afraid to check,” she said.
She said the community have begged and pleaded with Metrorail to repair the fence without any joy.
“If something happens to one of my family members or my property I will seek legal advice,” she said.
CSI security spokesperson Dana Bloem said the fence was constantly tempered with and a stronger structure was needed to prevent vandalism.
READ MORE: Evicted Erasmuskloof recyclers remove fence to reoccupy land
Bloem said crime in the area was worsening and this put a lot of the elderly in the area at risk of falling victim to crime.
“The hole needs to be closed with something that can’t be broken so easily, and monitored,” he said.
Police have also encouraged the community to report any environmental factors that contributed to criminal activity to the police.
Police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela said residents could report the issue to their local CPF, ward councillor or directly at their local police station.
“When these are reported to us, we can put preventative measures in place,” he said.
Mavimbela said the police were investigating a case of attempted murder.
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