Gated communities – what does the city think?
The City of Johannesburg and Melville police both, in theory, support the idea of gated communities.
Following the attempt by some in Melville to install gates to limit access points to the suburb, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) was asked about its policy in relation to gated communities.
The move by the Melville Security Initiative is premised on the belief that if approved, the initiative will reduce crime.
Nthatisi Modingoane, CoJ spokesperson said, “Several neighbourhoods have gone this route in an effort to reduce crime. These communities have partnered with the police and the city in reducing incidents of crime in the enclosures.”
All road closures within the city are, he said, implemented in compliance with the CoJ Security Access Restriction Policy of 2018. This includes ensuring a registered and suitable security company is employed to manage the enclosure.
“People need to keep in mind that these roads remain public streets and road closures cannot be used to unnecessarily divide communities.”
The city considers these applications to assist communities to work in a coherent manner with the local law enforcement bodies to, ‘deal with issues of urban management and the fight against crime and grime.’
He said the primary consequence when access to some streets is restricted is the diversion of traffic, especially during peak periods. To this end, applications are supported by a transport impact assessment which is conducted by an independent professional to ensure that negative impacts are minimised.
“If unforeseen negative impacts during the implementation stage are identified, the city is empowered to make the necessary adjustments to further mitigate traffic impacts as far as possible.”
The restriction of pedestrian traffic is generally not affected as it may not be curtailed.
Spokesperson for Brixton Police Station Jeanette Backhoff said, “Gated communities or boomed estates have become increasingly popular in some communities with many people seeking the extra security.”
Crime, she said is generally easier to prevent in closed-off suburbs, but this does not mean that criminals will stop looking for opportunities. “It can however be a crime-fighting method that is put in place by the community.”
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