Concerns have been raised by residents about the streets lights which have been out for about six months in the corner of President Fouche Road and C.R. Swart Drive, in Northwold. The Randburg Sun was first notified by a resident who stands in this corner at 6am, for a lift to work. She said there are vagrants who live in the overgrowth and streets lights being out, could result in muggings, rape and other crimes. She did not want Randburg Sun, to publish her name or photo for fear of being attacked. Since then, more residents have complained about the street lights outages and police have made an effort to fight crime in the area. Honeydew police’s Warrant Officer Gabriel Nonyane said five vagrants have been arrested in this corner. “We are trying our best,” said Nonyane. “They [the vagrants] are moving out because they know we are serious. They are moving to Zandspruit.”
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau asked Metro police and City Parks to enact a joint operation, whereby City Parks workers could cut the grass while Metro police are on guard. He said he is still waiting to hear from the entities, and has “put pressure” on City Power to fix the streets lights, which have been out for about six months. Olga Erasmus a resident, said she is fed up. “We have been held up by four armed robbers in our estate, with full security, and we don’t want to ever face that again,” she said.
“A few months later some vagrants got entry again and broke into six vehicles.” She said the continuous street light outages makes “it so much easier” for criminals.
Another resident, who did not want to be named said, “Trees are being chopped down and fires made on a daily basis. Our once quiet and safe neighbourhood is no longer.” City Power spokesperson Sol Masolo did not respond by the time of going to print.
Details: Honeydew police 011 801 8613/4/5, City Power 011 375 5555, City Parks 011 712 6600, Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau 084 572 4002.
