Calls for restrictions anger residents

FOLLOWING a recent murder in Richwood, residents took to social media to call for prevention of Dunoon residents freely moving across to their community. Reports of fining pedestrians immediately emerged, angering those who walk between the communities for work.

This comes after two suspects linked to the robbery and murder of make-up artist Suritha Alting were traced to Dunoon.

Ward councillor Miquette Temlett confirmed that although though not only limited to Dunoon, “there's been numerous contact crime incidents traced to Dunoon. From what transpired at our last subcouncil meeting, all three surroundings wards are experiencing the same issue of contact crimes and a motion for a partnership to fight against these elements was tabled. As for fining, if crossing the roads is prohibited, then anyone who fails to adhere should be dealt with, but that wouldn't mean they're not allowed in our communities.”

Kevin Jacobs of the City's Traffic Services said about 67 jaywalking fines were issued during the hours of 5am to 8pm last month.

“It is R300 and the offence is commonly known as jaywalking. The offence is written on the fine as ‘Pedestrian on a freeway'. This is in accordance with national legislation.”

The City's Mayco member for Urban Mobility, councillor Rob Quintas, said available statistics between January 1 and December 31, 2021, showed eight pedestrians were killed on the N7, mostly adults between the ages of 20 and 45 years.

“Malibongwe Drive carries a high volume of traffic and public transport vehicles. Urban Mobility will investigate the need and feasibility of a public transport stop along this stretch and also determine whether a pedestrian crossing would be required in support of any such facilities,” he added.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous, who walks to Richwood daily, said: “The community had proposed pedestrian crossings and we were promised two bridges, distant from each other, to allow safe commuting, but no, our government built what they thought was deserved by the poor: a dark underground road, far from the direction most workers travel to.

“We too are victims of the crimes they're talking about. So it makes no sense that they want us to be restricted, they must just say if they're discriminating against the poor. Crime is everywhere in Cape Town, is it Dunoon people who go to other suburbs too?”

Dunoon ward councillor Meisie Makuwa said crime affected everyone.

“Dunoon residents are victims too, so I don't understand the basis of the allegations and suggestions to control their movement between the communities. The underground bridge is there, but it's no secret it's not safe.

“Residents complain that it's dark and there's no security visibility. I believe until safety and security is implemented, it will remain unused.

“We as councillors will try our best to find solutions to the criminal elements, but authorities need to be reasonable. However, law is law, so I'd advise the community to consider other options while our pleas aren't yet met, to avoid getting in trouble with the law,” said Makuwa.

Department of Transport and Public Works spokesperson Jandre Bakker said: “This subway has, apart from safety, the added benefit to the pedestrian that it is protected against the elements in poor weather. The Department of Transport and Public Works supports endeavours to make roads safer. Pedestrians remain one of the groupings with the highest number of road-related fatalities, which is why we welcome support aimed at deterring pedestrians from displaying poor and unlawful road-user behaviour.”