Parkwood residents at their wits end with alleged street races
Rosebank SAPS and JMPD are aware of Parkwood's street racing allegations, and plans are being implemented to handle it.
Rosebank Police Station and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) take street racing allegations in Parkwood seriously.
On June 24, the Gazette was approached by resident Sarah McKerron who explained that, for the past year, residents have been subjected to loud cars that allegedly race on Bolton Road until the early hours.
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Rosebank Police Station’s Warrant Officer Bongi Mdletshe noted that the police station was aware of the street racing allegations. “As per our investigations, we’ve observed that its cars coming from the Randburg area, and driving onto Jan Smuts and Jellicoe avenues, where the residents endure the noise. I have encouraged my crime prevention team to be visible with blue lights, especially on Bolton and Jellicoe avenues, to minimise the problem.”
Mdletshe added that policing the matter remained a work-in-progress, which currently has no success, but that they were working towards a solution. “We are hoping to make an example by arresting the people who are endangering people’s lives by exceeding the 60km/h zone in our precinct.”
Rosebank’s Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Dr Bruce Young said the alleged street racing issue had been raised in the CPF meetings multiple times. “The issue has been reported to JMPD on multiple occasions. As with so many issues in South Africa and Johannesburg, this will require concerned residents being more involved, to gather evidence and identify the culprits.”
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said his department took the complaints seriously and would investigate the matter thoroughly. “Furthermore, we will explore what actions can be taken to address the issue of motorists racing and skipping traffic lights. We are committed to finding effective solutions to improve safety and reduce disturbances for Parkwood residents.”
Fihla concluded that he appreciated residents bringing the matter to his attention, and that he would provide an update on their findings and planned interventions as soon as possible.
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