[The assassination of white collar criminal Brett Kebble, who was linked to the ruling party raised eyebrows. But now, in total there have been 4 assassinations in Johannesburg in broad daylight. So Carte Blanche, which is probably the best investigative journalism show in the country, is investigating.

The reference below to people “jumping red robots” at night relates to a practise which many people in this country have followed for years. When they drive at night, they do not stop at red traffic lights. They slow down, but go through them… this is because of the danger of being hijacked at a red traffic light at night.

The Govt always claims, and has been claiming since the late 1990’s, that crime is getting better, but the general public DISAGREE! I have always put it down to us having a lying, crime-loving Govt which wants criminals to wage a Low Intensity war to drive whites out. Jan]

In light of a perceived increase in random shootings on Johannesburg’s roads in recent weeks, Carte Blanche is producing a story for this Sunday 2 July to establish how safe we are on our roads.

Police continue to say crime is decreasing but the public always argues the opposite. It’s easy to erect high walls, razor wire, install alarm systems and burglar bars on your house but what can we do to protect ourselves in our cars?

Tshwane and Erkhuleni Metro Police have willingly released their hijacking hotspots, yet Joburg Metro refuse to do so because it will give away their information to criminals. Never mind you, me or little old gran tottering down the road blissfully unaware of the danger zone being entered. We would like to know a number of different things from Joburg’s public:

Where are hijacking hotspots? Have you witnessed or even been a victim of hijacking at a particular hotspot? We’re looking for recent cases willing to share their stories.

Driving from regular point A to regular point B is there a specific route you use or avoid for safety reasons? Whether it be to avoid hijack hotspots, gangs of prostitutes (as in Rosebank), poorly lit areas etc. We would like to illustrate how a person might need to considerably deviate their route at night, taking maybe twice as long to get somewhere purely because you believe it to be unsafe.

Do you allow or prevent your kids to drive at night? Do you avoid driving at night? – We’re looking for two or three ordinary citizens who are willing to share on camera their fears and frustrations about driving on Johannesburg’s roads. How do you adjust your lifestyle to adapt to these abnormal conditions?

Have you participated in any self-defence or advanced driving courses specifically for your safety on the roads?

Do you jump red robots late at night? Have you ever had to contest a fine because you honestly believe you were in danger?

Please feel free to contact me with any information you’re willing to share. Everything will be held in the strictest confidence, until such point as you give permission for us to use the information or you agree to appear on camera. The more information I can gather the better informed I will be when producing the story, so please share what you can.

We all know crime is a serious problem in South Africa and in particular Johannesburg, but has it really got to the point where we’re all blase about it and we push it to the back of our minds? Are the authorities doing enough?

Thanks for your time and I hope to hear from you shortly.

Regards,
Seamus Reynolds
Africanborn Media
Carte Blanche Insert Producer