A recent spate of ongoing robberies across a vacant large track of council land known as 'the hill', which is situated between Atteridgeville and Lucknow Avenue in Laudium, has seen irate residents calling for visible police patrols and fencing of the area.
‘The hill’ is a stalking ground for criminals, who prey on residents using this thoroughfare, as they are easy targets. Gardener, Unathi Mhlakaza (30), who frequently uses the shortcut way to and from work, described to the Laudium Sun how he was recently attacked at the notorious hill.
“I had been walking along there when I was accosted by three thugs who robbed me of my cellphone. The place is very dangerous.
If you are walking through there alone, especially if it is after dark, you can be sure you will be robbed,” he exclaimed.
Unathi urged residents, both those living close-by and those just passing through, to be extra vigilant about these surroundings at all times and not to pass through the area if they could avoid doing so.
“If you can't avoid crossing through that way, it's best to be smart about it. Don't carry expensive items on you or have lots of money in your possession. Don't take your expensive phones with you. It's best to not be alone when walking through this area. Always have a companion with you,” he advised.
The concerned resident especially warned women against entering the area alone. “Not too long ago, a woman was raped here, after she was robbed. I urge all the sisters and daughters of our community to please be careful when passing through here and try to never be alone. These thugs are heartless. They have no problem stabbing, robbing, raping and killing people,” he added, alleging that a dead body had also been found at ‘the hill’ recently.
A local resident Rajeev Singh living on Lucknow Avenue, confirmed Unathi’s claims. “Many people are targeted quite often in these parts. When they are robbed, they often come to our gate to seek help. Because this area is so dangerous and you cannot really trust anyone, we are sceptical to help them, fearing it might all be a hoax or a scheme to rob us in turn. Then to top it off, irresponsible residents come and dump their garbage on Lucknow Avenue too,” he said. Adding that the authorities, during the previous election campaign, promised to fence the area leading to Atteridgeville and also to beef up police patrols in the area.
Unathi said the only solution for residents and commuters alike who cross the hill, is that they walk in groups. He said it is also best if they used the taxi services, although he acknowledged that this may not always be feasible for domestic workers as many earned low salaries.
Councillor Mahomed Essop told the Laudium Sun that there were plans to have the area cordoned off, but the plans still have to be approved by the City of Tshwane.
Laudium police spokesperson, Samuel Chokoe, confirmed one case of robbery at ‘the hill’ was reported to them recently, but added that he would still have to confirm about the other cases.
Ext. 3 residents are appealing to the community to stop using Lucknow Avenue as a dumping site.
Gardener, Unathi Mhlakaza (30) standing at the hill, where he was recently robbed by thugs.