By Molefi Sompane
SASOLBURG – A bridge that cuts the distance between two sections of Zamdela has become so notorious for muggings that residents are appealing to authorities to patrol the area.
Notoriously dabbed the ‘Bridge of Death’ because of thugs who hide under it in order to rob and murder people, the Zamdela community is so angry by the occurrences there that it now wants the bridge closed at night.
Either that or the police should increase patrols in the area at night, residents suggest. But people have different opinions about the bridge.
Motshabi Nonyane, 24, still remembers when her boyfriend Mzilikazi Maphanga was brutally killed by the “Smack down” gang on October 28, 2009 on the bridge while she was nearly raped.
She said the bridge served a useful purpose besides being a haven for criminals. “Mzilikazi lost his life on the bridge and many others too, and there is nothing we can do to change that now. That bridge is useful to many people who want to cross from France Section to the other side but there are thugs there at night,” she said.
“The bridge used to have lights and sometimes you would find security guards there but things have changed now.”
Serame Mosololi said it was true that people are being killed at the bridge but thought the matter should be handled by law enforcement agencies. “Police have to patrol the area or there must be guards stationed on it.”
SelloaneMothapo said the bridge entered infamy after five people were killed on the same night on the bridge, dissuading residents from using it.
“Five people were killed in one night last year, and every week someone would be killed there. I don’t think there should be a place people should be afraid to go, whether at night or during the day. Now you only feel safe to cross that bridge if you are in a group,” she said.
However, Mothapo is not backing the closure of the bridge: “I believe the situation will only be corrected by the police, only police will provide safety to people who use the bridge at night.”
Mampho Motlohi, lost her son Moeketsi Motlohi at the bridgelast year. Moeketsi was working late but did not use a taxi home. He was stabbed to death.
“I hate that thing (bridge).It holds bad memories. Whenever I see it I recall how I was called to identify the body of my son lying in cold blood. I wish something can be done to save the lives of other people.
“This bridge is not used for good purposes, especially at night. People are robbed and killed. Only law enforcement agents have the power to change the situation.”
Reverend Tankiso Dibakwane said the crossing point needed a special prayer session by all members of the community to exorcise the evil that lurks there. Only combined prayers would cleanse the bridge and end endemic fear that has gripped the community.
Dibakwane has led prayers near the railway line before in the hope of fixing the area and driving out the robbers.
“I organised prayer services where we prayed for victims and their families. I remember we even invited one of the gang leaders who pledged to us then that he will help the police to arrest people who were responsible for the brutal killings that had occurred at bridge,” he said.
Public Eye learnt that Police intend to open a satellite office near the railway station to keep an eye on the bridge and surrounding area.
Former Community Policing Forum (CPF) member James Khunou said: “I encourage the community to take care of itself and work with the police. I am still maintaining that only if we help the police, will we arrest the people who are terrorising us.”
Police Spokesperson Constable Peter Kareli said: “We are considering opening an office near the bridge so that we can patrol the bridge,” he said.
Kareli added that police had arrested many criminals who use the bridge to waylay people and rob them.
“We have the database of many thugs here that helps us to target certain individuals if we are investigating a particular case. People must trust us and let us be there for them when they need us.”