Dubbed the city’s Bridge of Crime
Greenside residents who use Matlala road as a shortcut to reach their homes in the evening say they are fed up of criminals who attack them with dangerous weapons, including guns, and robbing them of all their belongings
POLOKWANE – According to residents, the road is no longer safe to use at night due to criminals who hide behind bushes and under the bridge waiting to pounce on them.
The residents claim that several people have been robbed and some stabbed to death on Matlala road.
Charlton Gafane (33) says he was ambushed under the bridge where he was stabbed several times in the shoulder and his hands. He says he is lucky to be alive.
“It was already dark, I spotted a group of boys walking toward me, but I didn’t suspect anything until they attacked me seconds after I passed them. They demanded I give them my cell phone and money and threatened to throw me off the bridge,” says Gafane.
Westenburg Police Spokesperson, Const Maphuri Segobola, says they are aware of crime along the Matlala road and several cases of robbery and murder have been opened.
“Residents are robbed of their money, handbags and groceries. We urge people to walk in groups, especially at night, because walking alone at night can cost someone their life,” warns Segobola.
She says since there are no ‘hot spot’ warning signs along the road, the police will hand out pamphlets during their patrols to warn residents to be on high alert.
“Let’s all work together in fighting crime by reporting people who do not abide by the law to the nearest police station.
“A source’s name and information will always remain confidential,” she says.
