A dirt road which was meant to be a shortcut for the residents of Goudrand, who usually use Randfontein Road (the R41) has become a death trap lately, due to several incidents of brazen crime.
The alarming rate of criminal activity on this pathway, which trails through very tall grass and shrubs, became a cause of concern when residents found they could no longer walk freely due to the terrorism of gangs in the area who rob unsuspecting pedestrians and even harm them at sunset.
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The spike resulted in the community crying out to law enforcement to put an end to the scourge.
A committee member in the area, who wished to remain anonymous, explained the cause of the scourge. “The escalation of crime levels in Goudrand is aggravated by poor visibility of the police system in the area. Since 1 January, crime levels have climbed over the roof and incidents of gun-toting thugs terrorising the community have become alarming and worrying,” he explained.
The member listed some of the disturbing incidents which pushed them to take a stand:
“On Friday, 26 April, a man and his wife were violated by three males. The female was repeatedly raped and her husband was shot and wounded. In an attempt to seek help for his wife, the husband sought the assistance of a passer-by who was, unfortunately, shot three times by the suspects. He succumbed to his wounds and died on the spot.”
“On Saturday, 6 April, seven boys and a girl were robbed of groceries and personal belongings at gunpoint by three unidentified thugs. The girl was raped and one boy was shot and wounded. The remaining boys sustained various injuries as a result of their physical altercation with the suspects and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.”
“On 22 March, a husband and wife, and their eight-year-old son, were attacked by three thugs. The husband was shot and wounded, but managed to escape to a place of safety to seek help,” the member said.
He added that over past two years, they’ve lost at least two close community members, “as a result of these barbaric acts of cowardice and terror by these known suspects,” he explained.
In an effort to find a solution to the crisis, the committee drew up a petition containing a list of grievances and took it to the Roodepoort Police Station. Among the potential solutions were daily patrols in the area, especially after sunset; mowing of grass on the dirt road, and the driving out of illegal mining operations in the area.
The spokesperson for the Station, Captain Juanita Yorke, confirmed that they had received the petition and shed light on their intervention. “Police vehicle visibility has been increased due to the complaints we’ve received, but the municipality will have to respond with regard to the cutting of bushes and trees and the lighting etc,” she said.
With regard to the ‘known’ thugs, Yorke said, “If anybody would like to report more information on the known thugs in the area, they are to please contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111”.
