Popular fishing spot targeted by criminals
The area around Murray Park has become a hot spot for criminal activity.
“It’s scary how many robberies take place here,” says Marié Buchner, a member of the Dersley Community Association (DCA), in reference to a popular fishing spot situated in the area.
Buchner, and a concerned resident of Eastvale, Andries Oelofse, both warn the public to stay away from this area.
“There have been four armed robberies at this spot in a month,” says Oelofse.
“On Monday evening, there was another incident which involved a shoot-out between the alleged criminals and fishermen.
“The grounds here belong to Ekurhuleni, but do not get maintained at all, and the grass doesn’t get cut.”
He adds that Dersley and Eastvale have seen an increase in crime and that, in his opinion, more stop-and-searches need to be conducted by police.
“There is a big problem here regarding crime,” he says.
Amanda Greybe, spokesman for the Springs police, confirmed there was a shooting on Monday evening and that a case of attempted murder has been opened.
According to her, four armed men held up a group of friends fishing at the spot.
Three of the men were armed with knives, while one was armed with a gun.
The man with the gun ordered the group to lie on the ground, but one of the friends, who was also armed, fell into the water.
“The suspect then started shooting and the complainant returned fire,” says Greybe.
Greybe adds that residents must be vigilant as many of these incidents have been reported.
Comment was requested from the Ekurhuleni Metro, but none was received at the time of going to print.
