An infamous crime hotspot and ‘rape corner’ is once again becoming a problem after a quiet five years.
The corner of Malibongwe Drive and Olievenhout Avenue, which in fact lies close to the historical ‘rape corner’ (Olievenhout Avenue and Drysdale Road intersection), is now a greater hotspot of violent crimes thanks to overgrown bushes where criminals can hide.
In 2016, residents near both intersections in Northgate heard screams from women as they were accosted by men, sometimes wielding pangas, and had to rush out with garden tools to prevent rapes and muggings.
WARNING: Rape corner in Sundowner
Sometimes they were successful and sometimes they weren’t.
Residents and security companies dubbed the area the ‘rape corner’ when, in fact, it was at least two intersections and the stretch of greenery along Olievenhout Avenue where the majority of the crimes took place.
WATCH: Criminals with a panga terrorise resident
Often these incidents went unreported to the police as victims despaired anything would be done.
However, Honeydew police and security companies monitored the area more closely and the incidents seemed to abate, though only one or two arrests were made.
Also read: UPDATE: Police will monitor ‘rape corner’
Recently, one resident who wished to not be named because the criminals already know her, said a number of times in recent weeks she, her neighbours and employees in the area had to respond to screams for help.
“We grab a broom or whatever we can and run out,” she told Randburg Sun.
“The criminals have cars waiting for them on Malibongwe [Drive] and they always get away before we can catch them. It is heart-breaking to talk to a woman after such an incident and try to console her. The root of the problem is the overgrown bushes and I have been emailing City Parks for weeks but they have not replied to me.”
Honeydew Police Station spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan urged victims to open cases so they can assign resources to deal with the crime.
“There are certain officers dealing with gender-based violence and we can assign them to the case,” he said.
Editors note:
A previous version of this story stated that Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley had been notified about the matter and comment from her had been requested. Upon investigation, it has been found that Moodley had not received these requests, and thus could not provide comment. Randburg Sun apologises for this. Also it was found that Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo does not maintain this area, as it is the Gauteng Government’s jurisdiction to.
