URGENT REQUEST FOR GATED ACCESS CONTROL, SECURING OF REA VAYA BRIDGE LIFT SHAFTS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY INTERVENTION
We, the undersigned residents of Coronationville, Johannesburg, submit this formal petition demanding immediate intervention to address escalating crime, life-threatening structural hazards, and worsening public health conditions in our community.
Our area has become vulnerable due to uncontrolled access routes, unsafe municipal infrastructure, illegal dumping, and increasing criminal activity. We refuse to accept ongoing risk to our families and children.
1. REQUEST FOR GATED ACCESS CONTROL
We formally request the installation of controlled, gated access points at:
Klavier Street
Wynberg Street
Kowie Street
With stipulated opening and closing times, implemented in consultation with residents and law enforcement, to:
Limit easy criminal entry and escape routes
Reduce robberies, hijackings, shootings, and home invasions
Improve monitoring and visibility
Assist law enforcement in crime prevention
Unrestricted access has made Coronationville an easy target for perpetrators entering the area to commit crimes and fleeing without consequence.
Access control is a lawful crime-prevention mechanism used throughout Johannesburg.
2. IMMEDIATE SECURING OF OPEN LIFT SHAFTS ON THE REA VAYA BRIDGE
The lift shafts located on the Rea Vaya bridge structure in Coronationville are currently open and unsecured.
This poses an immediate and extreme danger:
Two individuals have already fallen down the shaft.
Children regularly use and play near the bridge.
The risk of serious injury or death is imminent.
These lift shafts are municipal infrastructure and fall under the responsibility of the City.
Failure to secure known dangerous infrastructure violates obligations under:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Section 12 – Right to security of the person)
The City has a legal duty of care to eliminate known structural hazards. Continued inaction after prior incidents exposes the municipality to liability.
We demand:
Immediate closure and sealing of the lift shafts
Structural reinforcement and safety compliance inspection
Public signage and temporary barricading pending permanent repair
3. SECURITY INTERVENTION ON THE REA VAYA BRIDGE
The Rea Vaya pedestrian bridge has become a hotspot for:
Robberies targeting school children
Drug activity and illegal occupation beneath the bridge
Intimidation and violent crime
Children now avoid the bridge and risk their lives crossing a busy main road to escape being robbed.
This situation is unacceptable and preventable.
We request:
Permanent or scheduled visibility by JMPD
Installation of CCTV cameras
Removal of illegal occupants beneath the bridge
Coordination between City Security and Law Enforcement
This request aligns with municipal obligations under:
South African Police Service Act
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act
4. PUBLIC HEALTH RISK – ILLEGAL DUMPING & INFESTATION
Illegal dumping around the bridge and surrounding areas has resulted in:
Rat infestation
Cockroach infestation
Environmental degradation
Health hazards to residents
Contamination and deterioration of the Rea Vaya platform
These conditions contravene obligations under:
National Health Act
National Environmental Management Act
We demand:
Immediate clean-up
Ongoing waste enforcement
Pest control intervention
Monitoring to prevent recurrence
CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION
Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees the right to an environment not harmful to health or well-being.
Section 152 mandates local government to promote a safe and healthy environment.
We are asserting our constitutional rights as residents.
OUR FORMAL DEMANDS
We, the residents of Coronationville, request:
Installation of gated access points at Klavier, Wynberg, and Kowie Streets.
Controlled operating hours for crime prevention.
Immediate sealing and securing of lift shafts on the Rea Vaya bridge.
Security presence and CCTV monitoring on the bridge.
Removal of illegal occupants beneath the bridge.
Immediate waste removal and pest control.
Written feedback within 14 working days outlining corrective action.
DECLARATION
We, the residents of Coronationville, request the installation of gated access points at these entrances to improve safety and security. This will help control access, reduce crime, and improve quality of life. We support the proposed gating and request Council/Local Authority assistance with installation and maintenance.
Our children must not fall into open shafts.
Our residents must not live in fear.
Our community deserves protection.
Faadiel Ayob Contact the author of the petition