Nightfall Brings Fear to Parts of Johannesburg CBD

 

By Bandile Mbango &Sethu Makamu

As the sun sets over Doornfontein and Bertrams, a different kind of silence settles in one that is heavy with tension rather than calm. For residents, students, and workers in the area, nightfall does not signal rest, but rather the start of heightened caution in a community where fear of crime has become part of daily life.

Students living in nearby residences say violent incidents such as robberies, hijackings, and shootings have become a recurring reality. They describe nights interrupted by arguments in the streets, sudden fights, and gunshots echoing through the neighbourhood. Many say they lie awake fearing stray bullets could pierce through windows, turning their rooms into unsafe spaces despite being indoors. The sense of vulnerability has grown so strong that even routine movement at night feels dangerous.

A student from University of Johannesburg explained that while there is a security transport system for students travelling between campus and residences, concerns remain about its effectiveness. According to the student, security vehicles often follow behind while students walk on foot, creating anxiety about what would happen in the event of a sudden attack. “If something happens unexpectedly, we don’t know if the guards would be able to respond in time,” the concern implies.

Photo by Bandile

Security personnel stationed in the area echo similar frustrations. One security guard near a local stadium said muggings frequently occur around the surrounding streets, particularly targeting pedestrians at night. He explained that although security teams are present, they are restricted in their response because they cannot abandon their posts to chase suspects. This limitation, he said, weakens their ability to fully protect the community despite their efforts.

The guard suggested a more visible policing strategy, including the placement of police containers or mobile stations in hotspot areas. He believes this would allow victims of crime to report incidents immediately and receive faster assistance, while also increasing police presence in areas where criminal activity is reported. He added that better coordination between private security and police services could help ease pressure on security officers and improve community safety.

Another security officer offered a more measured perspective, noting that while crime has not disappeared, it has reduced compared to previous years. From his experience, criminal activity was more severe before 2024, with a noticeable improvement in recent times. However, he acknowledged that ongoing incidents still affect the sense of safety in the area.

Despite these differing views, a common thread remains residents and students continue to call for stronger safety measures, increased visible policing, and long-term solutions to restore confidence in the streets they navigate every day.