Spate of muggings is a serious concern
SHARONLEA – Alleged spate of mugging incidents along Malibongwe Drive Bridge is becoming a serious concern.
Becky Smith from Sharonlea Ext 17 witnessed a spate of mugging incidents on the Malibongwe Drive Bridge between Suikerbossie Street and President Fouché Road and is calling for residents to take action.
She explained that she witnessed the latest incident on the evening of 11 January where a woman was mugged and robbed of her handbag.
“Most victims who are mugged are pushed down the embankment near my complex. Some are lucky to escape unharmed, as others have been stabbed for their possessions,” she explained.
Smith has been complaining to the police but they could not act as most of those crimes were not reported. “Without case numbers, police cannot deal with the crime as it is not seen as a hotspot to be addressed,” she continued.
In an effort to curb this crime, Smith is arranging with authorities to possibly place a fence along the stretch of Malibongwe Drive and under the bridge.
She further explained that this would prevent victims from being pushed under the bridge and criminals from running to the river after committing their evil deeds.
She had recently appealed to different residential complexes in the area to come forward so that she could organise the sector police to take their statement.
“If anyone has been a victim of crime and would like to help in getting this under control by giving a statement, please contact me,” she concluded.
Douglasdale Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Balan Muthan complained that if residents do not report incidents, police could not assist.
“We have not received any complaint from that area and residents need to report those crimes regardless of how small they may look,” WO Muthan said.
He continued that police could not declare the area a crime hotspot and could not increase the visibility when there are no recorded incidents.
“Residents need to be more vigilant when walking in those areas and when anything happens, they must report it immediately,” he concluded.
Head of Douglasdale Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Loulen Lensing explained that they were trying to learn about a number of incidents that have occurred and see if they can assist. “Victims need to report those incidents, even if it is just an attempt, so that police can get involved,” Lensing concluded.
Details: Douglasdale SAPS, 011 699 1300; Becky Smith, beckys@mwebbiz.co.za or 082 826 7746.
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