The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo has sent a stern warning to the criminals terrorizing residence of the Braamfontein Precinct, which houses 6 tertiary institutions and several businesses.
 
Speaking at the launch of the Crime Prevention Plan for the University of the Witwatersrand ("Wits") and Braamfontein Metro Centre Precinct, which was held at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge, Mayor Makhubo said the Criminals have attacked and robbed individuals regardless of whether they were students, workers or residents of Braamfontein.
 
“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,” said Mayor Makhubo

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.
 
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.
 
“Unless we work towards increasing a sense of safety around the Braamfontein area, we risk the reality of parents refusing to send their children to institutions around the area for fear of them falling victim to crime. If this were to happen, we might see a significant impact on the local business community who depend on the education sector for their livelihood and who in turn employ a significant number of people,” said Mayor Makhubo

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Cllr. Mally Mokoena said 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.” Said Mally Mokoena
 
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.

“We expect that the student and business leaders in and around Braamfontein will work together with the JMPD to ensure that today’s launch leads to many years of co-operation between all stakeholders. Today we have started the process of reclaiming Braamfontein and the Nelson Mandela Bridge from criminals who have terrorised our people,” concludes Mayor Makhubo

For Media Enquiries:
Mlimandlela Ndamase
Director: Mayoral Communications
083-480-0014
MlimandlelaN@joburg.org.za