The restaurant owner, Mr Graham Dickson, Bedfordview SAPS station commander, Colonel Nedik Sambo, ward 20 councillor, Clr Michele Clarke, Bedfordview Community Police Forum (BCPF) chairperson, Mrs Marina Constas, EMPD and Bedfordview SAPS senior management and Cab Security, a private security company operating in the area, attended the meeting.
Those who attended the meeting, described it as productive.
Bedfordview SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said that the cluster had to come together.
“We had our operations on the hill several times, EMPD had its operations there several times and private security also had their operations on that hill. But people are still being robbed. That means we need a different approach to the matter. We need collaborated efforts to curb these crimes,” he said.
He said that the involvement of the private sector, government and the community will help root out crime in Gillooly’s.
Mrs Constas said that there will be visible steps taken, following this meeting.
“The strategy going forward is to increase the number of joint operations on the hill on a regular basis. We have requested that the Bedfordview Patrollers get involved. The equestrian unit will be called in and dog units. The parks department indicated that they would be looking at bringing in park rangers in future. Warning signs will also be placed at strategic spots. Working together will create the momentum we need to eradicate this problem. As a community representative, I did indicate that we want results,” she said.
Mr Graham Dickson said that visitors to Gillooly’s need to be vigilant when walking there.
“We want to make that area safe for its visitors. This is a heritage site that should be enjoyed by everyone. We are tired of seeing what we have been seeing, people being robbed and injured all the time,” he said.
He said that participants at the meeting committed themselves to take action.
“Challenges that led to crime this high on the hill, were identified. There was also commitment from all parties at the meeting to curb crime on Gillooly’s Farm hill and the surrounding suburbs,” Mr Dickson said.
He added that people who go hiking on the hill should go in large groups and be vigilant when there.
“Hike in big groups. Walk with your dogs if you have to. Preferably not before 9am and not after 5pm. Nobody should go hiking there in the dusk. When you are there, be aware of your surroundings at all times,” he said.
He urged those who had been attacked on the hill to report the matter to the police.
“This will help the police when planning their operations. They cannot plan on hearsay, they need facts. So if the incident is reported, it is easy to plan around it and prevent it from happening again. There have been people who were arrested previously but we need to continue working together to fight this,” he said.
Mr Dickson said that those who can, may report to the restaurant before they go up the hill.
“If we know that there are people who went hiking on the hill and they said they would be back after an hour and they are not yet back, we can let the security personnel know. This might help prevent or stop a robbery or even help apprehend the criminals,” he said.
Clr Clarke, said that visible policing on the hill will be regular.
“It was discussed that the EMPD Equestrian Unit will assist with visible policing during the weekends, like in the past. The SAPS Bedfordview and EMPD will monitor the park actively. A clear message needs to go out to criminals who target innocent community members that we will not just allow this to happen. Gillooly’s is one of the most pristine parks left in Ekurhuleni and should be protected for the recreational use and enjoyment of all community members. By working together as community and with all stakeholders involved, we can tackle crime proactively,” Clr Clarke said.
She added that the community should refrain from walking in the early mornings or in the late afternoons.
“We need to also be responsible citizens and not open ourselves up as soft targets but always be aware and vigilant against crime. The parks department will also ensure that the necessary signage goes up to make sure that community members are aware of the risks and can be alert to these,” Clr Clarke said.
She added she will meet with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) Parks Department for a follow-up on getting funding to upgrade Gillooly’s Farm.
