Wit Road resident slams broken streetlights as crime and safety fears grow

A Wit Road resident shared his frustration over the broken streetlights. Chris Rossouw, who has lived there for four years, told the Springs Advertiser how unsafe he and his family feel.

He said he reported the issue 12 times using the metro’s service app, most recently under reference number CM202506020329, only to find that the city had marked the older cases as resolved.

“When I got here in 2021 or 2022, I told the neighbours the lights weren’t working. They said they hadn’t worked in a long time.

The metro sent people after I reported the matter, and the lights worked for a week, then they stopped. No one’s come back since,” he said.

With the area left in darkness, Rossouw said it had become a breeding ground for criminals. In December, thieves stole his gate motor. He explained that weather damage had led to its replacement in January, but thieves stole it within 21 days.

“Although the insurance replaced it, I still have to cover some of the costs, and it’s too much,” he said, adding that he had to install extra security at his home.

“They tried their luck again seven days after the new motor was installed. I managed to trigger the alarm, and it scared them off,” he said.

With the sun setting earlier in winter, Rossouw said he feared more criminals would take advantage of the unlit road, and accidents could occur.

“My wife, Aletta, runs a daycare on our premises, so my fear is the safety of her assistants and the children, too,” he said.

The CoE was contacted for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.

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