The Benoni police are sending a stern warning to local anglers to avoid the N12 highway bank of Kleinfontein Dam, in Danie Taljaard Park, when they go fishing.
On Sunday, April 6, two attacks occurred a few hours apart in this area.
Benoni police spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele said the first incident involved a man who was fishing with his grandson, at around 11am.
They said five men, armed with bricks and knives, emerged from the bushes and approached them.
Sekele said one of the gang members held a knife to the man’s throat.
They searched him and his car, stole his cellphone and fishing equipment, and disappeared into the bushes.
No injuries were reported.
Then, at around 3pm, another attack took place.
Sekele said two people were fishing when three men again emerged from the bushes.
“Without saying a word, they started hurling bricks at the victims,” she added.
The men searched the victims and their vehicle, and stole money and cellphones from them.
They then ran back into the bushes.
Sekele said the police suspect the incidents were committed by the same people and that police are investigating.
The area is known for such attacks.
Earlier this year, two couples were robbed at Danie Taljaard Park and police warned residents not to visit the park.
In March, last year, another attack at the same place ended up with an 11-old-boy being run over by a car.
Several other incidents were reported in the area last year, with residents like Leon Verne, who also fishes at the dam, saying people are being attacked with pangas and robbed almost every week.
Sekele again warned the community to avoid fishing on that side of the dam, saying it is dangerous, because there are no longer security guards on duty there.
She said police will monitor the park, but urged residents to avoid visiting there.
EMPD spokesman Wilfred Kgasago said the EMPD is aware of the area’s safety issues and that metro officers will patrol the area from time to time.
