Nowhere for criminals to hide

Following the rape of a woman in Strubens Valley last week, Fred Adams of Ye-Sizwe Security wants to reach an agreement with City Parks to make the area safer.

“We would like to cut the bushes and thereby make it an open space where criminals cannot hide. This area really is not safe.” The area at the corner of Sovereign Road and Krugerrand Avenue has featured in the news in past weeks as residents feel unsafe in their homes.

And after residents’ outcries, a woman was raped in broad daylight. City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo met with many stakeholders on site last week. “They want to ensure the relevant role players understand the need to put in place a plan of action. City Parks has also identified that parts of the area fall outside its jurisdiction. However, we will undertake the maintenance of these sections by securing orders form City Power, the Johannesburg Roads Agency and Environmental Health.”

Moodley said work in the area will start within the next two weeks. “City Parks will also engage with private offers to assist in clearing the overgrowth by closely monitoring the situation.”

City Parks extended its appreciation to businesses and residents who offered support in clearing the overgrowth, without compromising the environmental integrity of this nature-sensitive area.

Details: trees@jhbcityparks.com or sms 082-906-1515.