Footpaths and shortcuts are used by many padestrians living in the Kwatsaduza community, and many have learned the hard way how dangerous they can be.
One such place is the open field between Malandela ground, Tsakane stadium and the mall.
Residents from Basothong and Mandebeleni section cut through the area on a daily basis, oblivious to the dangers posed by uncut grass and weeds.
Bashin Malinga is the chairperson of the Basothong Neighbourhood Watch Forum (BASNEWF) and believes something needs to be done.
He says women’s underwear, wallets and purses are some of the items littered in the area, leaving them with many worrying questions.
While a mother says her 12-year-old boy has been mugged twice in the area.
The first incident was in December, a cell phone and money were taken from the boy who described his muggers as ‘young boys’.
The mother continues to say that on a rainy day, March 1, her son was approached by an “old man” who was carrying a gun.
“He demanded his new branded jacket, which he handed over,” adds the mother.
Captain Petros Mabuza of the Tsakane Police Station says the community should open a case whenever they fall victim to crime, even if it’s a mugging or they don’t know who mugged them.
“Sometimes stolen goods are recovered and end up being sold on auctions because there are no cases at the police stations,” explains Mabuza.
Mabuza also adds that opening cases alerts the police to crime hot spots, and assists them in dispatching patrollers.
He advised that parents also monitor their children’s activities and make appropriate arrangements, such as ensuring they walk in groups.
The councillor of ward 82 was not available for comment at the time of going to print.
