Organisations join hands to clean up problem area
“This is a very dangerous overgrown area that thugs often use to smash out motorists' windows and grab their valuables, especially in heavy traffic, and then disappear into the bushes,” said one volunteer.
In a bid to combat crime, resident organisations in ward 64 decided to clear up an area they say provided criminals with a hideout, where there was a nearby shootout on June 19
Paul Gerber, a spokesperson for Monitor Net, explained that the shootout between four suspects and an off-duty police officer led the security organisations to work together.
One suspect died from his injuries, while the other three were arrested and detained by Monitor Net guards.
Ward councillor Casper McDonald said DA branch members in his ward decided to clean up the area around the bridge on Rooihuiskraal Road crossing the N14.
McDonald invited community organisations active on Afriforum, Monitor Net, KB security and the local CPF to help.
The purpose of the clean-up was to cut the trees and pick up the litter on the road reserve leading to the N14.
“Criminals use these areas to hide, and when motorists queue up in peak hours, they are sitting ducks,” said McDonald.
“Criminals use this road reserve to run to their cars on the N14. By clearing that area, their hiding place was removed, and they are visible to motorists.”
McDonald noted the importance of communities being vigilant and taking care of their community to help keep their area safer.
He said that issues such as illegal dumping and littering are issues that affect safety, but are labour-intensive and cannot be tackled by the metro alone.
“Littering and illegal dumping are caused by an attitude that needs to change. The community should stand up against those involved in illegal littering,” he said.
At the end of the day, the team had not completed the job but promised to return later.
In a statement, KB Security echoed the ward councillor’s sentiments.
“The personal investment we each put into the safety of our homes and areas falls to each person living in the area to assist in keeping the community safe and clean for our families, friends and neighbours,” the statement read.
Afriforum Centurion chairperson Andre De Bruyn said that their team was happy to help with the clean-up.
“This is a very dangerous overgrown area – thugs smash motorists’ windows and grab their valuables, especially in heavy traffic, then disappear into the bushes,” said De Bruyn.
“We are privileged to deploy the neighbourhood team where they are needed and to be able to continuously make a solid contribution to neat, clean and safer suburbs.”
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