Mystery holes in Naturena’s veld concern residents
Empty spaces are usually occupied by people who build shacks.
The veld in Naturena Ext 17, along Hefer Street and Jan de Necker Drive, is characterised by strange holes dug in a particular manner.
Naturena’s public safety representative, Nceba Ndube, noticed this strange discovery.
He said he and community members saw these holes when they were in the veld, chasing away people attending ‘church’ in the veld.
“We went there on October 15 to chase away the foreigners, mostly Zimbabweans, who congregated in the veld. There were about four makeshift churches, and all the congregants wore albs or robes.
“We don’t want people here because they will end up putting up shacks, like it happened at Mountain View. They will start with a shack toilet and before you know, a full-blown shack village comes to life.
“While at the veld, we then discovered these strange holes. In one area where these holes are, 14 grave-like holes are dug in chronological order. There was one shaped like a coffin and also oval-shaped holes with rags on the floor and a concrete centre-piece. These seem like holes where someone performed rituals; however, we are not sure what they are.
“I mentioned that in the office of Ward 119 Clr Thobile Zondo and he said there might be graves; however, there is no certainty,” he said.
Ndube said they must optimally utilise spaces like these to minimise abuse because people always seek places like these to put up shacks.
“As a representative, they tasked me to identify a site for building a police station. This is a perfect spot, as it is in the middle of Naturena and Freedom Park. Both Mondeor and Eldorado Park police stations are far from these communities, hence I say this is the right location.
“We don’t want to find ourselves in trouble with mushrooming shacks here. Also, this is an escape route for criminals. If used properly, it can curb a lot of crime.
“There was a suggestion for a boom gate in Hefer Street towards Jan de Necker Drive. That thought was thwarted, because this is a public road often used by taxis and the community,” he noted.
The City of Johannesburg was contacted for comment regarding these holes, but at the time of going to print, no comment was received.
