North Apies River area a crime hotspot

Residents of Pretoria North are urged to avoid walking around the Apies River Bridge on the R101 Lavender Road near the M1 intersection in Paul Kruger Street.

Pretoria North Sector 1 CPF deputy chairperson Willem Nel said there have recently been several muggings and robberies at the bridge.

“That bridge is dangerous to residents as 11 victims were robbed this month,” said Nel.

Nel said the criminals target pedestrians en route to and from work.

“Most people targeted are those who go to work early in the morning when it is still dark and at night.

There are also smash-and-grab robberies at that bridge,” said Nel.

Nel urged locals to be vigilant.

“When you see something suspicious on the road, contact police immediately because we also have sector patrollers who are patrolling the area regularly.

We want to end crime in this area and we can do that by having a good relationship with residents who want to see a crime-free Pretoria North,” said Nel.

He said pedestrians must be vigilant when crossing the bridge.

“Be aware of possible criminals as well as vehicles that might be following you.

When you do come across an incident, comply.

Take careful notice so you can give a proper description for when you have to identify the criminal,” Nel said.

Resident Jane Coetzee said cable theft and streetlights that are not working are major contributors to crime at the bridge.

“When you pass there, it’s so dark you can’t even see a thing and I think cable theft and dysfunctional streetlights are a huge problem.

Now it’s better because the traffic lights were fixed so there’s small visibility but people must stop walking in such dangerous areas as it’s not safe,” said Coetzee.

Rekord reached out to police regarding the robberies plaguing the bridge, but has not received comment by the time of going to print.

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