They are now worrying and wondering how safe they are around the Zamani Section open space, situated behind the Duduza Multi Purpose Centre.
One of the residents, who asked to remain unnamed, says this plant has been vacant for over 10 years.
“At times we are forced to use this field to cross from Zamani to Cool Breeze, as the main road is far,” she adds.
“But, when you look at the little building that stands in the open space, it is frightening, as sometimes you are able to see that there are people smoking there, while others sleep in that dump then leave their blankets.
“These people are able to spot us from afar, hence they are able to rape, steal from and attack us.”
Another resident, Sipho Makhanya, says residents have made numerous requests to the Ekurhuleni Metro to demolish the building or close off this land, but nothing has been done.
“A few years ago, an adult woman drowned when the stream flooded, due to heavy rains.
“There was also a case of a child who drowned in the same structure where the woman was found, and all the metro did was to come and fill the hole where the water was,” Makhanya says.
“At other times mothers who give birth and decide they don’t want to keep the infants come to this area and just dump the babies there, so we don’t know what else needs to happen before our government officials react.”
Some of the angry locals say that, if the government is not willing to help in dealing with this situation, they will take matters into their own hands, by demolishing the structure, as they are not safe.
The lifeless body of the woman found on Tuesday, in the open space. Her hands were tied behind her back and her ankles were crossed and tied.
She was undressed from the waist down, and found lying face down.
