– The De Aar tunnel has become a crime hotspot.
– Residents must be protected.
– SAPS must increase visibility at the tunnel and arrest perpetrators of crime.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the police in De Aar to increase patrols at the pedestrian tunnel, which has become a crime hotspot.
The tunnel connects Kareeville, Montana, Sunrise, De Put, Extension 20 & 21, Happy Valley, New Bright, Residentia, Barcelona, Macarena and Leeuwenhof to De Aar town.
Over the weekend, the DA conducted a clean-up at the tunnel to help restore dignity to this key walkway. This alone, however, is not enough to make the area safe.
Thick reed overgrowth has created hiding places for criminals targeting vulnerable residents. SASSA grant recipients are among those most affected, with reports of robberies at the tunnel. Serious violent crimes, including rape, have also been reported.
The DA has asked the Emthanjeni municipality to clear the overgrowth but progress has been limited due to the broken municipal fleet.
The theft of electrical cables has made the area even darker and less safe, especially for people walking home after night shifts.
Residents should not be left exposed to known dangers in an important public walkway that has been allowed to fall into disrepair.
While Emthanjeni municipality must get its act together, and clear the overgrowth, SAPS must also act decisively to catch and convict those responsible for terrorising the community.
It is time to reclaim public spaces from criminals and allow residents of De Aar to live in safety and dignity.