Voortrekker Monument vulnerable to increasing crime
"Recently, I was shocked to learn that there had been two armed robberies involving visitors and staff."
Over the past few years, the Voortrekker Monument, one of Tshwane’s most prominent heritage sites, has experienced an increase in crime and vandalism.
“Crime has threatened the safety of employees, visitors and the integrity of the monument itself,” said corporate and shared services MMC Kingsley Wakelin.
“I am deeply concerned about the sharp increase of crime in and around the monument.”
He said that the monument was one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, and was visited by both residents and tourists.
“Recently, I was shocked to learn that there had been two armed robberies involving visitors and staff.
“This is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue,” said Wakelin.
Wakelin met with the Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK) managing director Dr Danie Langner, councillor Shaun Wilkinson and other representatives from the monument to discuss how to increase security and keep the area safe.
“The meeting was extremely productive, and I believe that we have laid a strong foundation for future collaboration,” said Wakelin.
He said that they would brainstorm strategies on a way forward with the economic development, environment, property and tourism departments.
According to Wakelin, the management at the Voortrekker Monument has been proactive about the safety of its staff and visitors, despite the rising crime in the area.
“Taking the metro’s current financial constraints into account, we now – more than ever – welcome non-governmental organisations and communities to take hands with us and work together to bring positive change.
“We want to ensure we create a better life for all in Tshwane. We believe in the whole of society principle,” Wakelin told Rekord.
Langner said he was also positive about the outcome of the meetings.
“It is clear there is a need for a short-term solution regarding the fencing of the terrain. There is also a need for long-term sustainable solutions regarding the security and electricity issues in the Groenkloof area,” he said.
“There is a deep commitment from both parties to work together for the benefit of the whole community in this area.”
Despite it being a national site, protecting heritage sites in the city was important for the tourism sector, according to councillor Cindy Billson.
Billson is the chairperson for social development, sports, arts and culture in the city.
“We have several heritage sites in Tshwane that have been badly vandalised to the extent that repair work needed to be done.
“Because of the metro’s budget constraints, this becomes extremely difficult,” said Billson.
“Heritage sites are a very important part of tourism in Tshwane, so we want to make sure that these sites are safe.”
Pretoria Central police spokesperson Constable Thabang Nkhumise confirmed that there have been several complaints concerning the Voortrekker Monument area.
The station has since beefed up visibility within the area, covering Eeufees Road and the Thaba Tshwane precinct, he said.
Nkhumise said that the SAPS was working with other stakeholders such as the metro police and security entities to address crime in that area.
“The matter is being dealt with. Deployed patrol vehicles and crime prevention teams are working day and night to monitor the area.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
