SAPS and JMPD step up Bryanston patrols after Winnie Mandela Drive crime incidents

City of Johannesburg multi-departmental teams cleared makeshift structures and overgrown vegetation at the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Grosvenor Road on October 15.

The intervention followed an alert from the Sandton Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Sandton SAPS about several incidents at this location where motorists were targeted in smash-and-grab attacks, and pedestrians were allegedly robbed at gunpoint.

Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackleford and Ward 102 councillor Campbell Cloete joined forces with municipal employees to clear the walkway around the bridge, which had raised safety concerns.

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Shackleford and Cloete visited the site on October 13 to conduct an oversight patrol, discovering multiple makeshift dwellings and items that councillors said raised concerns about criminal activity.

Cloete requested assistance from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), which removed the structures that evening. Concerns intensified when another incident was reported about an hour after the councillors left.

Cloete engaged with municipal departments to find a more sustainable solution. On October 15, Cloete redirected her ward’s weekly high-impact service delivery blitz to the walkway, where municipal personnel undertook the cleanup.

The team removed the structures and cleared some of the overgrown vegetation, while Pikitup provided a truck to remove waste and discarded materials.

“We need to get rid of all the bushes and the areas where criminal elements can hide. Only if we clear up this whole area will we make headway in preventing them from hiding here,” Cloete said.

“It’s only the start. It’s going to take a lot of work, but we have to treat the root cause; otherwise, we’re just going to end up with the same symptoms every single time.”

Cloete added that further cleanups would be conducted and the walkway monitored to help keep it clear. The clean-up comes amid broader Sandton CPF efforts to address reported robberies along Winnie Mandela Drive.

Sandton CPF Roshan Byjnal said the forum remained concerned about ongoing armed robberies along the route. “We understand the fear and frustration these incidents have caused,” Byjnal said.

He said the CPF had worked closely with Sandton SAPS, deploying members on evening patrols during identified risk periods.

“As reported incident times change, we are adapting our approach. Policing this roughly 5km stretch remains challenging.”

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“We appreciate the few private security companies already assisting. However, we need more security companies across Johannesburg North to contribute vehicles, personnel and operational support to strengthen coordinated efforts.”

Byjnal also appealed to victims to report incidents to SAPS and notify the Sandton, Douglasdale or Randburg CPF directly.

He said opening a case was important because registered dockets provided vital information for investigations, helped identify crime patterns and supported efforts to build cases against suspects.

“Do not assume nothing will be done and choose not to open a case. We recognise that sharing incidents on Facebook community groups, including the various ‘I Love…’ groups, helps keep communities informed.”

“However, posting alone does not support immediate operational action. Information can take days to reach us. Please notify your CPF directly before sharing online so we can assist and support law enforcement efforts.”

Byjnal added that the CPF is actively working with law enforcement to address the incidents but stressed that timely information and community cooperation are essential to making a difference.

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