Haven for crime in Radiokop

The open veld opposite Chamberlain Hardware between Jim Fouchè Road and Theunis Street still poses massive problems for local residents.

A recent visit by the Northsider revealed that the open water mains where vagrants, e-hailing drivers, and the illegal food truck that trades in this open area tap water from, remains uncovered and accessible.

According to Panorama Residents Association chairman Dave Baxter, the illegal tapping of water from the mains has finally taken its toll, damaging the infrastructure to such an extent that a massive water leak sprung here, flooding a large part of the open area last week.

“After two days and thousands of litres of water flooding the open veld, and running down Theunis Street, a technician from Johannesburg Water eventually came out and managed to plug the leak,” he says, adding that it was merely a temporary fix. They had to dig a trench on the sidewalk to allow water to run down the road instead of further flooding the veld,” he says.

“He managed to plug the leak, but said that he was short of the equipment and materials he required, and left. We have not heard from Johannesburg Water since.”

A stroll through the open strip of land apparently set aside for a future road reveals that if anything, vagrancy and lawlessness has escalated.

An empty handbag lies discarded among rubble that litter the veld. The grass has recently been cut, revealing stolen cables – of the new aluminum kind – that lie hidden between the bushes. The illegal dwellings that dot the veld seem to have multiplied as well, with one ‘resident’ sleeping in the open in what appears to be an old sleeping bag during the Northsider’s visit.

“This veld is the ideal spot for illegal traders and beggars as it borders a quiet neighbourhood on the one side, and a busy road on the other, flanked on either side by houses,” says Baxter.

“It contains a source of fresh water, some trees under which to hide, and it represents an easy thoroughfare from Radiokop to Weltevreden Park.”

This is just one of the open areas in the vicinity that is frequently monitored by the Panorama RA. “We undertake frequent visits to the problematic spots in our area of operations. It is important for us to know what happens in these areas, and to report any illegal activity to the relevant authorities.

“Unfortunately it seems there is very little will to address the issues that we raise.”