Several Delta Park visitors have shared their experiences on social media of crimes occurring in the park during their walking, exercising and dog walking activities during December and the start of the new year.
One Blairgowrie resident claimed that she had witnessed a dog walker being robbed of their valuables at gunpoint by three individuals near the park’s mountain bike ramps.
Another eyewitness claimed that they had seen a person tackled off their mountain bike by an armed suspect hiding in the bushes near Zonda Avenue, and subsequently robbed of their electronic items.
Various people who are members of security groups claimed that they had witnessed five or more similar incidents in December.
Linden police spokesperson Constable Takalani Matumba said no cases relating to these particular crimes were found on their system, and thus could not confirm the details of any incidents.
“This is not to say that they did not happen, but in most cases, these crimes often go unreported. We strongly encourage victims to report crimes when they happen in our parks and other areas as it allows us as the police to better monitor the extent of crime and formulates plans to curb it,” she said.
The Randburg Sun reported numerous times about similar crimes occurring in Delta Park during the course of last year, to which the Linden police noted an increase in these types of crimes in the park during the last quarter of 2020.
Matumba further encouraged walkers, joggers and runners to remain vigilant of crime and report crimes when they occur, and also to adhere to rules stipulating park and recreation usage under the current Level 3 lockdown.
“Criminals are taking advantage of people who use our roads and public spaces for both exercise and walking. For people that exercise by running or jogging, make sure that when you are exercising that your valuables are always hidden from plain sight. Be vigilant of those in front of you and behind you at all times.”
Joburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that the park was currently closed to the public due to the current Level 3 lockdown restrictions.
Details: Linden police 011 888 9211.
