EMPD removed illegal gates in parts of Wychwood B, which closed off Poinsettia and Frenalia roads on June 24.

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Residents previously expressed safety concerns when they implemented the plan of a road closure using steel gates.

The community was informed by EMPD that these closures had to be removed regardless of their purpose.

When the EMPD removed the gates on Friday, residents objected to the removal.

Zinia Labuschagne, a resident of Poinsenttia Road, said crime incidents were again reported within two weeks of the gates being removed.

“My house was broken into during those two weeks. They took electrical appliances and other valuable items.

The security company took 16 minutes to call me and inform me about the break-in,” said Labuschagne.

“The police sent me a message after a week informing me they have closed the case because there is no evidence,” said Labuschagne.

“While the gates were up there was no crime reported,” said Labuschagne.

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Brett Laugnton said the EMPD did not provide any document to prove they were being authorised to remove the gates.

“We knew the gates were illegal but we are more vulnerable to crime than we were when the gates were up,” said Laugnton.

“There are no patrols in our area. Our children cannot play outside anymore. We have to upgrade our security systems. We are building a prison for ourselves,” said Labuschagne.

Angela Pereira, a Wychwood B and Poinsettia Road resident, said they demand accountability from the SAPS.

“The area needs constant police patrols. The community has come together to raise funds for a closure programme,” said Pereira.

“The funds will be used to cover costs of the impact study that needs to be done before our application to close the road can be approved,” said Pereira.

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan said residents have to follow all procedures before they implement road closures.

“The best solution would be to have a security guard at the gate like in Dawnview. No one is allowed to be denied access. The illegal closure of the road compromises service delivery,” said Morgan.

“In times of emergency, an ambulance may fail to get to patients in time because an entrance was closed,” said Morgan.

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Sergeant Styles Maome, Primrose SAPS cooperate communications officer, said residents who feel more needs to be done by the SAPS in terms of crime prevention are invited to visit the station commander.

The GCN requested a comment from the City of Ekurhuleni and EMPD by June 29. At the time of going to print no comment had been received.