This was an assurance by the CoJ to the public and students who fell prey to tsotsis who masquerade day and night on the bridge, injuring and stealing.
A total of 70 new law-enforcement officers will now be deployed on both east and south of the bridge.
“We want young women, through this increased visibility, to feel safe as they walk in the streets of this City. We hope this move will offer young women and children some surety that the City is determined to guard them against any harm,” says Mally Mokoena- Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety.
The plan will focus on Nelson Mandela Bridge, southern side of Wolmarans, northern side of Empire, the eastern side of Jourbert Street and the western side of Eendracht.
Part of the plan will be the city’s re-introduction of the ward-based policing model, which will prevent illegal activities such as mugging, illegal street trading, parking, taxi ranks and businesses.
In his address the executive Mayor of the CoJ Geoffrey Makhubo said: “In response to the criminality in the Braamfontein Precinct, the City will deploy a total number of 70 law enforcement officers in the north and south side of the bridge.
The officers will work on a coordinated approach with securities of the institutions and businesses around the Precinct. We started here today and will be moving precinct by precinct to include other areas such as Auckland Park, which house institutions such as University of Johannesburg,” he said.
He added that if Johannesburg is going to fulfil its vision of being the country’s leading centre for business and industry, and a truly World Class African City that offers opportunities for prosperity and a better quality of life, then all residents must be able to live and work in a safe, clean environment that they can be proud of.
Braamfontein is regarded as the academic hub for it houses the famous Wits University and other tertiary institutions and businesses.
Mokoena said this is key in fortifying efforts to rid the City of crime and grime. Furthermore, this also part of the City’s contribution to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and femicide.
“We want young women, through this increased visibility, to feel safe as they walk in the streets of this City. We hope this move will offer young women and children some surety that the City is determined to guard them against any harm,” he said.
“We’re quite excited about the launch because for a number of years Braamfontein has been an unsafe area.
Not does this pose only a threat to students but to women, in particular, in the area of Braamfontein. We welcome the initiative, it’s a proposal we made last year November to say that could they please address GBV and second the crime. We welcome the increase of JMPD and to set up Satellite police stations” says President of the Wits University Student representative council Mpendulo Mfeka.
JMPD and other private security sectors are on board to assure safety of students and residents.
Image (The notorious Nelson Mandela Bridge will now be safely guarded following a spate of crime that befell residents, students and businesses).
