Criminals use bush as hideout
Mr Chetty was concerned about these incidents affecting tourism, especially with the Matric Rage Festival planned for next year.
Residents are calling for the natural bush along Marine Drive in Margate to be trimmed.
Although, it is understood and respected that the bush falls under the Admiralty Reserve, Sweady Chetty, who represents Margate Property Management, say the incidents of crime in the area are an ongoing occurrence.
Mr Chetty, who lives in the block of flats opposite the beachfront area, say opportunists hide in the bush waiting to pounce on pedestrians who use the popular sidewalk.
“I often hear people screaming as they are pulled into the bush by criminals wanting to steal their valuable items, ” he said.
He continued to say that he had witnessed beachgoers who have left their clothes and other items on the beach to only come back from their swim to find them gone.
He added that prostitution is rife and an ongoing problem in the area.
Mr Chetty was concerned about these incidents affecting tourism, especially with the Matric Rage Festival planned for next year.
“I am very worried that students will be targeted and robbed,” he added.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman, Simon April said the cutting of both verges and trees along Marine Drive is the responsibility of the Department of Transport and the District Manager, and that they had been copied into email correspondence.
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