Residents and students in the area live in constant fear despite apparent camera surveillance.

Ripley Road is a hotspot for criminal activities as students and residents are targeted by criminals.

Although this is a reality in many neighbourhoods across the country, this should not be the case in Ripley Road as there are two surveillance cameras positioned there.

According to resident Rene van Niekerk, residents and students believe these cameras do not work.

Van Niekerk has contacted the suburb’s ward councillor, Bridget Steer and the University of Johannesburg, multiple times, to attempt to verify whether or not the cameras do work, but to no avail. 

Van Niekerk also raised questions about the City’s recent announcement that they will install 450 new cameras across Johannesburg.

He said, “Why start a new rollout if the existing cameras are not working. Why do you not first upgrade the existing cameras paid for with taxpayers’ money?”

Van Niekerk added that the area surrounding the University of Johannesburg is a known crime hotspot due to the large concentration of people and developments.

He believes that for the community to experience maximum security and safety, the police, the City, the University of Johannesburg and businesses in the area need to create and maintain a system that reduces crime.

The Northcliff Melville Times has attempted to contact Steer since June this year for her comments on the situation but she has not responded to any of the phone calls or emails sent to her.

This is a developing story.

More information will follow as and when it becomes available.

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