The police’s incapability to protect law-abiding citizens against the scourge of crime has prompted residents of Lilianton and Plantation to take matters into their own hands.
The fear of crime has seen residents of both communities initiating projects to turn their areas into what is known as gated communities, with physical barriers and community patrollers to seal themselves off from crime.
Residents of the areas believe that the enclosure with round-the-clock security can afford protection to their communities, and create a safe place or very-low-crime environment where no bullets fly and robbers or hijackers fear to tread.
Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser about the proposed enclosure of Lilianton, the Lilianton Residents’ Enclosure Committee and Lilianton Security and Patrol NPC said this security mechanism is intended to do more than just deter robbers and hijackers, but to also protect the public infrastructure and illegal land use.
According to the Lilianton residents committee chairperson Charlene Day, they have, with the help of a consultant, already applied for the security access restriction in August last year, and they received their ‘principal approval’ in June, this year.
“The conditions to the Lilianton road closure were published in the Boksburg Advertiser under legal notices, and we are now waiting for the metro to grant the final approval.
“If granted, the permit will remain effective for two years only, thereafter, the applicant may re-apply.
“All conditions must be complied with during the approval period, failing which council may withdraw the approval and all costs to remove all closures within the subject area, shall be to the cost of the applicant,” explained Day.
The chairperson also responded to the following questions posed by the Advertiser:
What prompted the enclosure?
Lilianton has been a crime-ridden neighbourhood for many years, and these crimes include hijackings, home invasions, petty crime, and theft of refuse bins. School children as well as domestic workers are mugged on a regular basis at knife or gunpoint while walking in the streets of Lilianton.
What is the objective?
We want to implement a strategy that translates into improving security operations in the area by restricting and controlling access to identify the criminal element to prevent crime in our area.
Do you believe the enclosure is a solution?
Yes, a road closure will reduce the current rate of crime. Many residents are looking forward to a safe and secure environment where their children can ride their bicycles, use the local parks without fear, and take family walks in the neighbourhood. We are all looking forward to a lifestyle change for the benefit of our livelihood.
Will the plan provide pedestrian access to the area? If so, where?
We cannot comment on pedestrian access at this point, as it is an ongoing concern at council and we are requesting a review of pedestrian access at the council.
In our opinion, stand-alone pedestrian gates are not required and such pedestrian gates must be at the two main access points. If all pedestrian gates had to be open at all times and unrestricted the statement implies that the criminal element uses vehicles only, which is factually incorrect.
We are not in favour of unrestricted pedestrian access as this will compromise our safety. To have 12 open holes in our perimeter fence for pedestrian traffic completely negates the purpose of road closure to create a managed area and apply safety and security protocol.
We are proposing to have vehicular and pedestrian controlled access on Esson Road just after corner Gild Road with a 24-hour security manned gate and on Lilian Avenue close to corner Robin Avenue with 12-hour security manned gate.
Are you planning to close certain roads permanently?
Yes, there will be 12 closed gates.
Have you assessed the traffic impact of the closures during certain peak times?
We submitted a professional traffic impact study to council done by our appointed Traffic Engineer.
Are you planning to install booms?
Yes, we are planning to install booms with resident/visitor entrances at Esson Road, just after corner Gild Road, with a 24-hour security manned gate, and on Lilian Avenue close to the corner of Robin Avenue with 12-hour security manned gate.
More security mechanisms
Apart from these new planned security mechanisms, residents have been implementing a range of other measures to safeguard security in their area.
“Many residents, including myself and Andrew Lee, have taken a hands-on approach to fighting various serious crimes and by-laws infringements in our area.
“These include zoning infringements, illegal electricity connections, theft of municipal infrastructure, land invasions, illegal dumping, unlawful and unregistered environmentally detrimental business operations such as scrap metal companies and their involvement in tyre burning.
“In response to rampant crime, the community decided to form patrol groups and proactively work together with SAPS, EMPD and local private security companies in an attempt to reduce home invasions, hijackings, vehicle theft, house break-ins, as well as numerous petty crime suffered by the Lilianton community.
“We also had council electricians held at gunpoint while working at S62 trying to restore power, robbed of their personal belongings and tools. Electricians were held hostage on numerous occasions at S3 substation.”
Also Read: Lilianton resident shot and robbed outside his house
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