Dealing with Westdene security threat

WESTDENE – UJ commits itself to finding a way to resolve security threat faced by nearby residents.

August 27, 2019

Andile Dlodlo 1 minute read

Westdene residents and University of Johannesburg Protection Services Divan van Zyl speak to Sophiatown Police Station officers about the security concerns at the university's sports fields. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Residents meet with UJ to discuss a way forward due to the security threats exposed by criminals.

The residents of Westdene have had enough of criminals using the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) sports field as a pathway to people’s homes. A group of residents, including Ward 69 councillor Genevieve Sherman, met with a representative from the university’s Protection Services, Divan van Zyl to discuss the matter. Residents claimed that criminals use the sports field, which is surrounded by Dublin and Chichester streets and 4th and Perth avenues, as point of entry and exit due to the inadequate fencing.

Westdene resident Frikke Botes demonstrates how easy it is for one to jump the wall at the University of Johannesburg’s sports field. *Photo: Andile Dlodlo*

Vocal and active resident Frikke Botes shared his frustration with the security risk that faces them as residents. “The criminals use the street behind the fields which leads straight to Westbury to gain access over the wall behind the fields and under cover of darkness and bushes have a highway between Chichester Street where most housebreakings occur.”

Residents of Westdene meet with Divan van Zyl of the University of Johannesburg’s Protection Service to discuss ways forward regarding the security threat exposed by the varsity’s sports fields. *Photo: Andile Dlodlo*

Van Zyl told the group of residents that UJ is aware of the issue and has tried to resolve it. While walking the path, residents stated that their security teams have found suspects burning parts of appliances and electronics for the copper wiring on the inside. Van Zyl also mentioned that they have arrested some of these thieves at the fields. “We have caught guys stealing cables and burning them here. We were also part of a special operation with Sophiatown Police Station and locked up so many people doing this.”

According to Botes, residents are hoping UJ will build a wall higher than the current one with razor wire above it. He stated that this security breach has been a problem since 2005 and hopes to see a change coming soon. Van Zyl noted all the issues that were raised and committed himself to speaking to UJ about the matter and returning to residents with a viable solution.

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