This morning, July 25, members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) bylaw enforcement unit removed three Rape Hot Spot signs from the open field at the intersection of Aitken and Palliser roads.
Last week the signs were deemed illegal and an order was issued for them to be removed.
According to the ward 18 councillor, Clr Heather Hart, last week the sign placed at the intersection of Aitken and Palliser roads is illegal and will be removed.
The NEWS questioned whether, along with the rape sign’s removal, if council would also remove all the other illegally placed signs on the corner.
“Yes, they will be removed,” said Clr Hart.
All other illegal advertising boards and signs at the intersection were also removed.
Past requests to City Power to clear the area of dumping and maintain the area to the satisfaction of the surrounding neighbourhood and residents have been met with limited success.
On Tuesday last week an Edenvale mother issued a warning to all young women after her daughter was pulled into the field and raped.
The mother, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her daughter, said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening last week.
“She was walking close to her house past the open fields next to Palliser and Aitken roads. Two men dragged her into the field and raped her,” said the mother.
The mother was told by police officers that it was the third such incident in the area this month.
“So many women walk past these fields every day. I need them to be aware so that this does not happen to more women,” said the mother.
The Edenvale SAPS has since stated that claims that the incident was the third such one was unfounded.
