Bryanston resident, Louis Nel, posed this question following an incident involving his son who was allegedly robbed on Jan Smuts Avenue during peak hour traffic.
Nel explained that the incident unfolded while his son was stuck in traffic when a man approached his window, pointed a gun at him and demanded his cellphone.
“Our son had no option [but to give him the phone as] he was boxed in, and on the traffic island next to him was a tree,” he said.
Nel suggested that a lack of a police presence at such intersections enabled criminals to carry out offences with impunity. He also questioned the lack of signage near these intersections warning motorists of robberies.
Responding to this, spokesperson for Bramley Police Station Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said they were aware of the increasing incidents taking place between Jan Smuts and Sixth Road in Hyde Park.
“We have had a few incidents and the problem is with some of the beggars at these intersections who target motorists travelling alone at night,” he said.
“We urge community members to remain vigilant and not give them money or food as this keeps them at the intersection.”
Maphakela concluded by urging the community to work with the police by reporting suspicious people at intersections.
Details: 011 445 4100.
Share your thoughts on the incident in Hyde Park on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
