Menlo Park residents are on high alert after a man was attacked and robbed outside the 13th Street SuperSpar over the weekend – the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing the area.

The victim was assaulted with a screwdriver and robbed of his cellphone, which was later used to steal money online.

Ward Councillor Siobhan Muller said the attack highlights a growing crime problem around the 13th Street shops, where residents and small businesses alike are feeling increasingly unsafe.

“The attacker injured the resident, stole his cellphone, and later hacked into it to steal money online,” she said.

“The victim’s family also received threatening calls demanding more money.”

Muller said she was saddened to issue yet another safety warning to the community.

“It saddens me to have to warn residents to be on the lookout when going to the 13th Street shops,” Muller said.

“The elderly have also been attacked near their vehicles. Crime in this street is getting out of hand, and it’s starting to affect small businesses in the area.”

She said she would be submitting a petition to the Tshwane council and SAPS, calling for urgent intervention to address crime along 13th Street.

She will also circulate an online petition to gather further support from residents.

“Please take care and report suspicious activity. Let’s take our area back,” she urged.

Residents have raised concerns that increasing incidents of petty crime, harassment, and public drinking are driving customers away and damaging the area’s small business community.

Muller emphasised that restoring safety in Menlo Park will require stronger co-operation between residents, the police, and the TMPD.

“Crime is hurting both our residents and our local economy,” she said.

“We need visible policing and a co-ordinated effort to reclaim 13th Street.”

The petition calls for more frequent TMPD patrols, stricter enforcement of by-laws, and improved police visibility to curb crime and restore public confidence in the area.

Brooklyn CPF spokesperson Rudy Brown confirmed that they are aware of ongoing issues in the vicinity, particularly illegal gambling and public drinking.

“It’s not always major crime, and it’s more gambling and public drinking,” Brown explained.

“The problem is we can’t always catch people in the act, especially when it comes to drugs.”

Brown said for now, the police and TMPD issue fines for public drinking and gambling, but the offenders keep coming back.

He said CPF members conduct night patrols, but daytime coverage remains limited because most volunteers work during the day.

“CPF members are volunteers, and they don’t get paid for patrolling,” he said.

He also encouraged residents to stay vigilant and take safety precautions.

“Be vigilant of your surroundings, make sure your vehicles are locked, and don’t leave valuables visible inside,” Brown warned.

“Remote jamming is a real problem, so always double-check that your car is locked before walking away.”

Residents are urged to report any suspicious behaviour, gambling, or illegal trading in the area to SAPS on 10111, or to contact the TMPD at 012 258 1906 or 012 321 0317.

Brooklyn station commander Kushie Pietersen previously said that to restore order, police are intensifying patrols, running targeted operations, like Operation Shanela and station-led initiatives, and working closely with the community.

“Collaboration with TMPD and other stakeholders is vital to ensure effective enforcement,” she said.

Rekord contacted TMPD for comment, but none had been received by the time of publication.

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