Calls for police to bridge high crime gap at local bridge

Despite pleas from residents using the pedestrian bridge linking Laudium and Laudium Ext 2 and 3, to authorities to beef up security in the area, crime continues unabated, as criminals lay in wait in the nearby bush, ready to pounce on their next soft target.
For years now, residents have been calling for more police patrols, for the wild grass to be cut regularly and for lighting to be installed in the area. The bridge which links Agra Street in Extension 2 to 8th Ave in Laudium proper, is often used by local pedestrians walking to the Laudium CBD for shopping and even those working in the area.
In yet another incident of crime near the bridge, reported to the Laudium Sun (see our February 19 edition, for the previous story), Zainab Mgaye, a resident from Itireleng who works at Medicare Pharmacy, told the Laudium Sun, “I walk from Itireleng via the Laudium Soccer Stadium on 13th Ave and then cross over the pedestrian bridge on 8th Avenue leading into Agra Street, to go to work. Last Saturday (February 27) at around 8:30 a.m as I was walking to the bridge, on my way to work, I noticed some black guy following me, but I did not worry about it as I thought perhaps he was also going to work in the same area. But, as I approached the bridge, at the corner of Garnet Street and 8th Avenue, where there is a small bush, this guy suddenly came towards me and grabbed my bag. I tried to fight back and held onto my bag, but he pushed me and managed to grab the bag out of my hand and then ran away. He ran down towards Military Road and I screamed for help, but no one was prepared to chase after the thug. I had two cellphones and a little cash in my bag. Now it’s all gone. I am now very scared to walk in Laudium alone, especially using the bridge. Laudium is not safe anymore and people using this bridge seem to be easy targets for criminals. I don’t know what can be done to stop the crime in the area. It was a very traumatic experience for me.”
Ali Malik, the manager of Desi Supermarket on 8th Avenue, said, “I do not know much about the specific incident, but I know of many people being robbed near the bridge, because they come into my shop asking to use my phone to contact a friend. Most of the time, the people who are robbed are very traumatized, as they are working to feed their children and now suffer a robbery which is a huge loss for them. Even just to replace a cellphone is not easy for working people. The Police and Council must do something to stop this crime, perhaps place a security guard near the bridge. Crime in the area has really affected our business as well.”
Sergeant Simon Chokoe of the Laudium SAPS said, “A case of common robbery was opened, and the case is under investigation. Anyone who might have information about the items that were stolen, is urged to contact the police. Together we can curb crime.”