Klapperkop & Groenkloof Safety Update

[River Rat]

First some good news it’s quite pleasing to report that we have no reported incidents in the Klapperkop reserve since August last year which suggests that the efforts of the community, The Friends of Groenkloof Nature Reserve (FGNR), the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and last but not least Hi Risk Security Unit are paying dividends. However, I need to emphasise the word reported as there are unconfirmed rumours of a bike jacking in the reserve during December last yea,r I have tried to get details but without success. The only definitive statement I can make is that if, it did occur it was not reported at the relevant police station, which sadly is the case with many of the incidents. I appeal to anyone who might be on the wrong side of an incident, please take the time (and I know it to be one of the most painstaking exercises) to report it. The reason for this is that SAPS runs on statistics so, if a specific area has a certain number of incidents then SAPS allocate resources to that area. I also know that the SAPS reporting procedure feels like it’s designed to make reporting difficult perhaps to reduce the negative stats.

Now for some bad news there were two attacks on cyclists over the past 6 months that occurred on the periphery of the reserve, one on the R21 and the other on George Storrar drive both close to the fountains circle. The good news is that the cyclist that was attacked on the R21 through his own efforts and with the assistance of the Brooklyn Police (who are currently out performing Sunnyside Police by some margin) caught the alleged perpetrators who are now awaiting trial for attempted murder. This was a particularly brave move on behalf of the cyclist who while convalescing having been stabbed several times took it upon himself to question the vendors selling their wares at fountains circle to see if the saw anything. It was their information and the persistence of the cyclist to take the investigating officer to the area to get the alleged perpetrators arrested.

Unfortunately the news regarding Groenkloof is not positive at all with numerous attacks on cyclists and hikers being reported. The most recent was indeed one of the guys on our WhatsApp group and he used this medium to get Hi Risk to respond and to their credit they were there in minutes unfortunately not quick enough to catch the perpetrators as they made off with his brand new Carbon Cannondale (the full report of the incident is on FGNR’s facebook page) escaping into the squatter camp below Unisa. It is important to note that these incidents are occurring in the northern triangle of the Groenkloof reserve and if you do ride in Groenkloof I suggest you avoid riding in this section of the park. Based on the Councils poor response to the above incident and their intransigence regarding some of the suggestions made to make Groenkloof safer I would go further in suggesting that you should avoid Groenkloof all together. This feels like we are giving up on Groenkloof, this is not the case as we can do something but we need the council to work with us and I guess things will have to get worse before we get their attention.

In the meantime statistics would suggest that Klapperkop is the safer option and it’s free with great trails. I have noticed that there is increased activity in Klapperkop with a few people still cycling on their own and I urge you to make use of the WhatsApp group to coordinate your rides with other users. The WhatsApp number is 072 136 2911 otherwise drop me a PM to get you on to the group, you will be subjected to a security check of sorts. Further to keep Klapperkop safe we need to up our efforts which will require funding and if you can make a donation please go to http://naturefriends.org.za/groenkloof/ where you’ll find the banking details. We have some ideas on fund raising that I will share with you in due course.

Please be safe out there.

[NicNacDH]

Thanks for the update.

[River Rat]

Klapperkop Safety Update

 

We have become aware of a bike jacking on Saturday Morning in Klapperkop reserve on the MTB trails. Unfortunately we only have scant information as to what happened from a passerby. What we can glean from his account was that the cyclist was mugged at around 9:30 on the trails near the R21 and it appears that he suffered a head injury with his bike and cycling kit stolen. If anyone knows who the victim is, it would be useful if we could be put in contact with him. The modus operandi sounds similar to the attacks that occurred in Groenkloof Nature reserve so it is vital that this case is reported so that a proper investigation can follow. We also believe that this is a consequence of the improved security efforts from council in Groenkloof as the criminals are looking for easier pickings.

 

The Klapperkop community safety group responded to this attack by sweeping the area early Sunday morning under the guidance of Hi Risk Unit and Accon security who between them provided more than half a dozen vehicles and armed personnel, this is a free community service provided by these two security companies and we cannot thank them enough. Residents from Waterkloof, Monument Park, Muckleneuk and Groenkloof along with members of various CPFs and resident associations conducted a sweep of the area where the attack occurred. Please bear in mind that the weather on Sunday morning was atrocious so the attendance of over 40 brave souls is a serious commitment and I'd like to thank all those that assisted on the day.

 

The sweep was a great success as vehicles, motorcycles, mountain bikes and hikers descended in a show of force that would frighten the living daylights of any criminal on the day. In fact we flushed out one innocent soul who panicked and ran when he saw us! Despite the heavy overnight rain we found fresh tracks which indicated they were indeed in the area shortly after the rain stopped which was half and hour prior to the start of the sweep. The tracks indicated that the owner of the tracks were running quite fast. We also found new evidence that they have once again taken to sleeping in the reserve despite the weather. We know where they operate from and we know how they escape which could prove very useful into the future.

 

Upon reflection I think all of us have been lulled into a false sense of security as our previous efforts has made Klapperkop safer but, as we have seen, not yet safe. To be fair we knew that the Groenkloof activities could have a negative impact on Klapperkop safety and Colonel Pieterse had two police vehicles inspecting the fences and storm water outlets along the R21 on Saturday morning before the attack. Clearly these criminals are brazen to say the least and we have to be vigilant, so once again we urge you not to venture onto the trails on your own and to try and use the road areas during the peak hours. You can get more details of these by joining the Fort Klapperkop Cycle & Run WhatsApp group (number 0721362911). Further FGNR will be taking up improving security for Klapperkop when they meet with council.

 

[River Rat]

Thanks to social media we have been in contact with victims wife. The attack was quite severe and he is still in hospital but thankfully recovering. For information for those who ride these trails, the attack seems to have occurred on the steep climb on the black route next to the pipeline. Please don't ride this section on your own.

[River Rat]

Groenkloof Safety Update

We had our first meeting with council on Tuesday night 23^rd May 2016, The royal we included Friends of Groenkloof Nature Reserve (FGNR), Management of Voortrekker Monument, Council including the Metro Police, SAPS of all affected branches and myself as the originator of our petition. The main purpose of the meeting was to plan the way forward and to give council the opportunity to report on what has been done to date.  As a general comment I am pleased to report that the meeting had a very workmanlike feel to it and it certainly feels like the intention is to get things done. Specifically I can also say the council have done what they said they would within the time frames stated at our public meeting. The electric fences are now operational and the holes in other fences are being repaired on a continual basis.

 

The most significant issue is the fact that for the first time that I can remember Metro Police are actively patrolling the reserve on a permanent basis.  Last Sunday Metro Police had 3 vehicle patrols, 2 mounted police and 2 special ops active in Groenkloof. I was told that we can expect the same presence during the week as well.  I am also pleased to report that on the morning of the meeting a joint operation led by SAPS, Hi Risk Unit and GIS security raided the area below Unisa where many attacks on Groenkloof, Voortrekker Monument and Klapperkop originate from. Six arrests were made and an illegal firearm was confiscated.  It’s fantastic to see that SAPS are tackling the problem at source and to see the two security companies in support goes a long way to enhance their image in the communities they serve and I’m not sure that a simple thank you suffices here, nonetheless thank you!

 

If the recent attacks in Klapperkop are anything to go by it is clear that the patrols in Groenkloof have been successful in displacing the criminal element into the surrounding reserves. It was agreed that our future safety plans need to consider the area as a whole. So a sub-committee was established to consider a combined safety plan for Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, Fountains, Groenkloof and Klapperkop, a meeting with the affected CPFs was required to kick this off.  So as not to lose focus it was agreed that a short to medium term goal would be to claim back Fountains Reserve as this is in the heart of the problem area and once this is safe and we get to ride or run in it, it would create an effective buffer for the adjoining reserves, so watch this space.

 

It is clear that council are committing serious resources to make the area safer and how sustainable this is would be would depend on the economic benefit derived from the area. As things stand there’s a de facto boycott of the reserve for good reason and the question posed as to when will Groenkloof be safe enough for us to use. The consensus was that we cannot say that Groenkloof is safe but we can say that thanks to the efforts of council it is safer. For this trend to continue we have to ensure the economic viability of the reserve and this can only be achieved by getting paying guests back into the reserve. Now I am personally quite hesitant to simply say let’s go back but I do believe that we should return but with some caution.  So starting on Saturday the 4^th June we are urging people to visit the reserve between 7:00 and 12:00am in groups of 4 or more for the safety in numbers principle to have effect. If you can get a group together on your own then it’s easy but we do recognise that this not always possible and we have to connect liked minded people.  To do this you can create an event and share it FGNR Facebook page and include details of your group run, ride or hike, you can continue to use the page to coordinate but a WhatsApp group might work better. You will see my Group Ride on the page starting at 8:30 on the 4^th; meeting outside the old kiosk; distance 18km, pace 13-15km/hr and difficulty of 3 out 5(the latter being the most technical); with a leave no man or woman behind principle. You are of course welcome to use whichever Facebook forum you prefer and just share on FGNR if you want to broaden your audience. The intention is to keep to larger groups at first until we are certain that Groenkloof is indeed safe enough for smaller groups or dare I say it individual activities.

 

On a separate note we have become aware that the DA was intent on having a protest ride, hike or run on the 29^th May 2016. The premise was that council had not fulfilled their promises which as you can see from the above would be incorrect. To be fair the DA were unaware of the outcome of our meeting and the work done by council, they have agreed to change their meeting to one of solidarity and support for the victims of crime in the area which is a worthy cause.

 

To close I honestly believe that we as community have been effective in getting council to take the first steps so that we can take back our reserves. I guess we can now dare to dream.

[gummibear]

Saw this on Facebook.  

 

Hi-Risk Unit added 5 new photos.

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1 hr · 

Brutal attack in Fort Klapperkop. Late yesterday afternoon two cyclist were attacked on one of the trails close to the fountains circle. The lady was a bit ahead of her husband when she was forcefully stopped by 4 men. They dragged her into the bushes, they repeatedly hit her head with a rock. She fought to keep her helmet on. Luckily her helmet saved her life. She screamed and fought the attackers as they attempted to strangle her. Her husband was unaware of the incident taking place and another two men started chasing him. He managed to get to the main road and found a security vehicle. They refused to help him and he went back to find his wife. His wife managed to get free and fled towards the R21 where a motorist picked her up and took her to safety. We immediately put a search party together to find these suspects. Community members and friends of the victims came to assist the team. We called off the search early this morning and resumed at first light. We urge cyclists to ride in groups. We will work together to catch these suspects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest notmyname]

 

Saw this on Facebook.

 

Hi-Risk Unit added 5 new photos.

Like Page

1 hr ·

 

Brutal attack in Fort Klapperkop. Late yesterday afternoon two cyclist were attacked on one of the trails close to the fountains circle. The lady was a bit ahead of her husband when she was forcefully stopped by 4 men. They dragged her into the bushes, they repeatedly hit her head with a rock. She fought to keep her helmet on. Luckily her helmet saved her life. She screamed and fought the attackers as they attempted to strangle her. Her husband was unaware of the incident taking place and another two men started chasing him. He managed to get to the main road and found a security vehicle. They refused to help him and he went back to find his wife. His wife managed to get free and fled towards the R21 where a motorist picked her up and took her to safety. We immediately put a search party together to find these suspects. Community members and friends of the victims came to assist the team. We called off the search early this morning and resumed at first light. We urge cyclists to ride in groups. We will work together to catch these suspects.

 

 

 

 

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/160481-stolen-specialized-camber-comp-carbon-2015-pretoria/?do=findComment&comment=2895200

[River Rat]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=615214185311324&id=162314320601315

 

With all the activity in Groenkloof and the subsequent displacement of the criminals into Klapperkop it's great to see Hi Risk Unit having some success. Well done boys!

[Pointer]

Well done, lets hope we will be able to enjoy the routes in peace real soon.

[River Rat]

Happy to report that the bike has been recovered.

[Bateleur1]

Good news.  Hope the buggers get convicted.

[River Rat]

Good news.  Hope the buggers get convicted.

Some good news is that these guys have already been linked to another recent attack but we need more to put them away for as long as possible. So if you or if you know someone that was attacked in the area please let them contact me or give me their details and I'll follow up with them.

 

I know we're often quite cynical about our justice system but the chap we caught in Klapperkop a year ago was sentenced last week to 15 years behind bars. Hopefully this might restore your faith in the system just a little!

[Bateleur1]

Some good news is that these guys have already been linked to another recent attack but we need more to put them away for as long as possible. So if you or if you know someone that was attacked in the area please let them contact me or give me their details and I'll follow up with them.

 

I know we're often quite cynical about our justice system but the chap we caught in Klapperkop a year ago was sentenced last week to 15 years behind bars. Hopefully this might restore your faith in the system just a little!

 

I am glad to report that none of my direct family or friends have been affected yet.  One or two hubbers I know but they do follow this.

 

I would classify as being someone who is cynical about our justice system, simply due to personal experience, but I also know there are good stories.  Good to hear the other chap is locked away for 15 years.

[wiledog_x]

So is it safe to ride at Groenkloof?

[River Rat]

So is it safe to ride at Groenkloof?

This difficult to answer but generally if you're in a group of 4 or more you'll be fine. Metro police are patrolling the northern area but I can't say how regularly the southern end of the park is usually safe. There is a WhatsApp group where riders and runners try and coordinate their activities to promote safety in numbers. Further, the 3 guys that were caught last weekend in Klapperkop could be the perpetrators  for the Groenkloof attacks but we'll only know once they ID parade has been held,

[Eon du Plessis]

This difficult to answer but generally if you're in a group of 4 or more you'll be fine. Metro police are patrolling the northern area but I can't say how regularly the southern end of the park is usually safe. There is a WhatsApp group where riders and runners try and coordinate their activities to promote safety in numbers. Further, the 3 guys that were caught last weekend in Klapperkop could be the perpetrators  for the Groenkloof attacks but we'll only know once they ID parade has been held,

 

Is there a similar group for Klapperkop? The road section is heavily patrolled but better safe than sorry, and it's my usual route.