- An integrated operation on 31 January led to the arrest of 18 undocumented individuals, along with three suspects for drug possession and one for carrying a dangerous weapon.
- U-Watch and local leaders highlight an increase in muggings, stone-throwing at vehicles, and robberies targeting cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
- Stakeholders urge Prasa and Transnet to secure their land, install surveillance cameras, and implement safety measures to restore accessibility and economic growth in Woodstock.
Woodstock police believe they have made a breakthrough regarding muggings in Lower Church Street and on the N1 Highway following the arrest of several suspects.
Police received numerous reports of robberies and injuries involving cyclists and pedestrians.
On Friday 31 January an integrated operation between police and other law enforcement agencies was conducted.
During this operation, 18 undocumented people were arrested. The officers conducted searches and arrested three suspects for the possession of drugs and one for the possession of a dangerous weapon.
Sgt Wesley Twigg, provincial police spokesperson, said: “These operations will continue to clamp down on the crime in the area. We appeal to the public to implement safety measures such as to keep valuable items out of sight, walking in groups, being aware of their surroundings, and reporting all criminal activities.”
Rob Marshall, Secretary for U-Watch, said there has been an increase in crime committed in that area.
“We have seen an acute escalation of robberies of passers-by and cyclists as well as stone-throwing targeting vehicles driving past. During rush hour the tailback of cars and the hotter weather means more drivers are sitting with windows open checking their phones making them easy targets.”
Marshall welcomed the arrests.
“The highlight was the involvement of Home Affairs whom we believe identified a significant number of undocumented foreign nationals squatting in this area who are responsible for these attacks. Dealing with illegal immigrants is beyond the police’s remit and the cooperation with Home Affairs opens a welcome chapter in dealing with the 15-year-old problems in this area.”
He said the site, owned by Prasa and Transnet, has long been a problem area.
“Both SOE’s have a shocking record when it comes to securing their assets and we have very little faith that they have either the will, skill, or capacity to deal with them properly.”
According to Marshall, plans are in place to safeguard the area.
Marshall said long-term safety solutions need to be implemented.
“This area is a key corridor for those using the N2 Expressway, but due to the risks of walking to the station, commuters are refusing to take this route. We have to get Woodstock working and being unable to access the N2 Expressway safely as well as risks using Woodstock train station mean commuters are struggling to get in and out of our area to work.
“Until we can safely move around in our community we wont be able to create work opportunities putting the hand break on our economy. This area is choking growth and taking money out of the pocket of Woodstock residents. Prasa and Transnet should be helping us get people and goods around the country, instead they are doing exactly the opposite and we have to pay the price.”
Gary Adams, public relations officer for the Community Policing Forum, said: “We would like the entities that own the land to have a designated camera, because the police can’t patrol that area 24/7.”
