I think something has to be done about the smash and grabs at the robot on the corner of Potgieter and Vereeniging Roads (between the train station and the bridge), especially during peak hour traffic.
On an almost daily basis there is glass on one or other side of this intersection, but more often on the way to Brackendowns. I have almost become a victim three times: the first time a man put his arm through my semi-opened window and tried to grab my necklace and the other two times a guy just appeared next to my passenger window, I saw he had something in his hand and I just drove away – this was in full view of other drivers behind me who did absolutely nothing to assist.
I have also looked in my rear view mirror after I made it through the robot and seen someone approaching other cars. A colleague of mine also had the same scenario.
It seems that the perpetrator(s) loiter around the robots waiting for victims and it would appear from the number of times there is glass on the road they are pretty successful.
To make matters worse, less than a kilometre up the road close to Air Liquide there are frequently Metro cops pulling over taxis and people not wearing seatbelts etc. My question is why can they not be present where the crime is being committed and not just between robots? It’s not like they are going to miss the traffic as there is only a kilometre difference and people they would catch or pull over would still be on the same road.
This is the quickest way from Alrode to Brackendowns/Brackenhurst, why should motorists be terrorised or robbed just because they chose this route.
A police or CPF presence would eliminate this problem. There was a satellite police office at the station previously.
Someone is going to get hurt here whether it’s the perpetrator(s) or a motorist, it is an accident waiting to happen.
Lindi Moloi, Brackendowns Police spokesperson, replied with the following statement:
“During the weekly operational planning meeting, combined operations are planned to address the threat in the mentioned area.
“The planned operation will be held in conjunction with the necessary role players and also involve the security companies.”
Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, has this to say:
“After being sensitised about the complaint, the Alberton Precinct Commander deployed officers from January 11, between 4pm and 6pm.
The intersection and the immediate areas were patrolled during which time not less than twenty pedestrians were stopped and searched with twelve motorists fined for disobeying the traffic signs.
“On January 12 officers continued conducting law enforcement and crime prevention patrols whereupon 10 pedestrians were stopped and searched and four motorists issued with spot summonses.
“On January 15, during the afternoon peak hours, high visibility patrols were conducted at the intersection and surrounding area to ensure safety to all road users. A total of 12 vehicles were stopped and nine passengers searched.
“Metro police will continue monitoring the location to ensure that no smash and grab incidents take place.”
Also Read:
People react on social media to crime in Alrode
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