Pedestrians in peril at dangerous tunnel
The Florida CPF has called on volunteers to help man pedestrian railway crossings in Florida during peak times.
At the Florida Station, the notorious underground pedestrian tunnel, where the body of a woman was found stabbed and strangled to death last year, is the only way in which to cross the railway line.
After descending the stairs from the station, the tunnel is dark and menacing with not a single light to show the way.
Graffiti – most of it of a lewd nature depicting either drug references or sexual content – adorn the walls.
Halfway down the tunnel, the entrance to the train platform has been bricked up to avoid loitering and robberies.
Upon the Roodepoort Record’s arrival, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) workers are washing the tunnel floor, which does nothing whatsoever to relieve the acidic urine smell that permeates the tunnel to eye-watering effect.
At the far end of the tunnel in Ruth Street, a group of unsavoury characters ‘hang out’ next to the tunnel entrance, the smell of crystal meth and dagga clearly distinguishable.
“This is what residents that cross the railway line to go to shops or school face on a daily basis,” says Florida Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla after chasing the loiterers off.
“We are receiving regular reports of children being robbed of their cellular phones, and women being harassed,” he says. “Phones are specifically targeted since they can be quickly and easily sold for drug money.”
A short walk around the tunnel entrance reveals the extent of the drug problem at this spot.
The telltale signs of drug use is everywhere.
In the parking area right next to the tunnel, a group of men with a large collection of empty beer bottles neatly packed out on the pavement scurry away quickly.
Sardiwalla points out their lair; a covered concrete overhang on top of the tunnel, well-hidden by the densely overgrown vegetation. These are the local drug dealers. From here they have a good lookout point and they can see police long before they get close.
The Record spoke to pedestrians as they exited the tunnel, who, to a person, echoed that they do not feel safe using the tunnel.
“Unfortunately, they don’t have a choice,” adds Sardiwalla, explaining that avoiding the bridge would mean a much longer walk to get home.
“Their only alternative is to make use of e-hailing services, which most can’t afford.”
He adds that he has spoken to the Florida police with the aim of deploying crime prevention wardens at railway crossings in the area.
Sardiwalla has called on volunteers who are willing to patrol this area, especially in the mornings and afternoons when children are going to and from school.
“We need to have people here to ensure that people can use the bridge safely without fear.”
Anyone who is willing to lend a hand, can call Sardiwalla on 084 963 1786.
