Residents fear for safety as the lane becomes hotspot for crime and drug use

Westridge residents have raised safety concerns over a lane connecting Voorhoede Close, Zandvlei Close, and Rhone Way, adjacent to Parkhurst Primary School.

The lane, originally used as a shortcut for residents, has become a site for drug use, dumping, and even human faeces, said one resident who asked not to be named but is known to the Plainsman.

On Tuesday, January 20, Plainsman met with residents, who are calling for the lane to be closed at the Rhone Way entrance.

“We’ve sent emails to the city and ward councillors, but they’re not acting with urgency. We need the support of the adjacent neighbors to make it happen,” said the resident.

“Every other lane from Gleneagle Way has been closed for security. Adjacent roads want it closed too,” they said.

Fahgwah Ryklief, a neighbor, said a man sometimes sleeps in the park. “The school children smoke in the lane. They stole my carpet from the wall in the middle of the night. They start using the park as a dumping ground, too.”

Tersia Jefhta, another neighbor, said, “Kids do drugs here. At night, you hear glass breaking and people burning copper. My daughter keeps her blinds closed—there’s always activity and strangers dumping waste.”

Patricia Petersen, a former teacher at Parkhurst Primary, said, “We can’t let our kids play in the road. I’ve had break-ins. They lifted garage doors and used drains as leverage. It’s shocking.”

Carol Saal, a long-time resident, said, “I’m scared. We walk around the other way and not through the lane. The kids and their parents don’t even use that lane.”

Patrick Esau said, “Rhone Way must be blocked, not entirely closed. Once you enter the lane, you have access to other roads. We petitioned for many years, but there was no response.”

His wife, Connie, said, “There’s no way we can leave our kids alone.”

Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, said the adjacent residents would need to engage the City to formalise the closure by submitting a lease application.

Once received, the City can assess and implement closures, working closely with communities to ensure safe, legal, and sustainable solutions,” he said.

JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said: “While the South African Police Service leads crime prevention, the City supports safety through initiatives like LEAP, Neighbourhood Safety Officers, patrols, and CCTV, dashcam, and bodycam technology, helping detect incidents, identify suspects, and assist prosecutions, complementing community-led efforts such as the proposed eco farm.”

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