Looking back: first arrest in Eden Park
The first person arrested was a resident of Bentley Street, Edwin Taylor, well-known as 'Vicks'.
LOOKING back over the 40-year history of Eden Park, the first arrest was made in March 1976, when only four streets, namely Pietersen, Borgward, Benz and Bentley streets boasted occupied house.
The first person arrested was Edwin Taylor, a resident of Bentley Street,well-known as ”Vicks”. He was arrested for an alleged rape, but the charge was later withdrawn in court.
“I can recall that day like it was only yesterday. I smacked a woman and she called the police, lying with a false statement that I had raped her,” said Vicks.
In March 1976 Eden Park had no public phone. Any call for the SAPS or an ambulance was made at the council’s rates office. The call accusing Vicks of the alleged rape was also made from this office to Alberton.
“When I heard that the police were coming for me, I locked myself in my parent’s house,” Vicks recalled. ‘
”Two officials arrived in an old Dodge police van. I refused to open the door and they broke the window and one entered through it to open the door.”The two cops gave me a good thrashing, assaulting me from left and right. By the time I got into the van, my face was swollen, my eyes totally closed. I was locked up without bail.
“The woman never came to court and the case was withdrawn. I can never forget my first year in Eden Park.”
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