FOLLOW-UP: Walkway in Farrarmere an escape route for criminals

For the past two years, residents of Derwent and Whitehouse avenues in Farrarmere have been engaging with the metro to have the walkway to Bunyan Street permanently closed.

Their efforts have, however, intensified following the murder of Amanda Lightfoot in Windermere Drive on April 14, as they contend that the walkway is serving as an escape route for criminals.

Ward 28 councillor Mary Goby is supporting this community initiative, stating by closing this area off, as well as having new fencing erected in the veld bordering the N12 and Windermere Drive, will go a long way in making the area safer.

According to Clive Jones, a resident of the area, the existing wall and embankment were erected following the widening of Bunyan Road, which in effect turned Whitehouse Avenue into a dead-end; however, pedestrians use this space to quickly and easily link up with the roads that lead to the CBD.

“We have had multiple incidents of opportunistic criminals making use of the walkway to easily escape through the traffic and further into the city centre,” said Jones.

“We have seen them escape down the embankment, undeterred, as they know that less agile and athletic people cannot simply chase after them. The quick exit makes it nearly impossible for response personnel in vehicles to chase them down.”

According to another resident, Anne Potgieter, they have received numerous claims that would-be criminals hide in the tall grass flanking the walkway, waiting for the opportunity to strike, often targeting women carrying handbags.

“They merely overpower the victims and then disappear into Bunyan Street,” said Potgieter.

“We feel if the metro could adequately close the walkway, many of these crimes could be prevented.”

According to the petition, the community is calling on the roads department to immediately close off the area.

On April 27, a public meeting was held by concerned residents and notices have been placed on the walkway to inform pedestrians of the petition.

To date, 100 signatures have been collected in favour of the initiative.

“The residents and other stakeholders now have 28 days to comment on the suggested closure,” said Goby.

“I hope everyone will see the benefit it will have on the entire community and that they will add their voices to this plea.”

Residents that want to submit their support or objection in this matter can send an email to mary.goby@ekurhuleni.gov.za. Alternatively, contact Potgieter on 082 432 0231.

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