Serina Petrie described how after she disembarked the bus just before 7pm on 2 June, a man who was lurking nearby started to follow her, and it seemed he was carrying a glass bottle in his hand. She saw another commuter, who had also disembarked the bus, and she met up with him. The man carrying the glass bottle subsequently said he wanted to ask for directions and then “backed off” and walked back to the bus stop.
Petrie said, “There are just always men roaming around the bus stop after dark. One’s lucky when other passengers get off with you at your stop, but honestly, I don’t think they have good intentions.”
At least another three community members, who all wished to remain anonymous, have been victims or near-victims of crimes – these range from their handbags being snatched to being held up at gunpoint.
A driver of a private vehicle also allegedly tried to force a woman waiting at the bus stop into his car.
Resident Tshoko Moloko believed the potential criminals hid in the tall bushes next to the bus stop, while another reader believed the suspects stayed in an abandoned house near the bus stop.
Midrand police communications officer Constable Matome Tlamela said the police would increase the patrols around the identified area, and advised it would be better to walk with a friend at night. Commuters were also cautioned against not displaying cash, cellphones, hand-held electronic games or expensive jewellery or clothing.
“If you think that someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly towards an open store, restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help. If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim,” said Tlamela.
She also warned not to accept rides from strangers or respond to comments from strangers while on the street.
Gautrain Management Agency’s senior executive manager for communication and marketing Barbara Jensen said, “The Gautrain Management Agency was not aware of this but now that the issue has been brought to our attention it will be discussed at the next Bus Committee Meeting, held between Gautrain and the local municipalities for possible solutions.”
She said the matter did not directly fall under the Gautrain’s jurisdiction, however safety and security was central to the Gautrain service offering, and measures to mitigate the risks for commuters within the vicinity of the system needed to be developed.
Have you seen suspicious activity at this or another point in Midrand? Join the conversation on Midrand Reporter’s BBM: 2B9432B6
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