An underground matrix of tunnels used by criminals as a highway to your house. It sounds like a line from a Stephen King novel. It's much closer to home, however. Kaitlin Britz investigates the troubled storm and water tunnels of Grahamstown.
An underground matrix of tunnels used by criminals as a highway to your house. It sounds like a line from a Stephen King novel. It's much closer to home, however. Kaitlin Britz investigates the troubled storm and water tunnels of Grahamstown.
“The tunnels are the first getaway exit for criminals, particularly during the day, because they can run with a laptop and no one will see them,” says Hi-Tec Assistant Manager Kenneth John Knoetze. And that's also the experience of the SAPS, who say criminals use the water tunnels as a quick and safe escape, and have been doing so for years.
Grahamstown’s storm and water tunnels run throughout the city, from Rhodes University Campus to the outskirts of town. This normal water infrastructure has also inadvertently become an escape route owing to its accessibility and location.
Knoetze explains that there are many small tunnels within town that are large enough to jump into, like the tiny exits on Beaufort Street, which criminals commonly use to flee security after store break-ins.
Last year Rhodes University student Zamathiyane Ndaba witnessed this problem first-hand.
“A friend and I were walking by African Street when we noticed a boy of about 13 years running into a tunnel. He was holding with a huge flat-screen TV, Ndaba said. We called the police as the boy disappeared into the tunnels.”
Captain Mali Govender, spokesperson for SAPS Grahamstown, says many stolen items have been found hidden in the tunnels – and Hi-Tec guards have had similar experiences. Knoetze says, “We find many things in the tunnels: deceased people, laptops, cellphones, clothing, bicycles and bankcards. You name it and we’ve probably found it.
A stripped-down Ford Bantam bakkie was once found in a tunnel along Orsmond Terrace. The tunnel is located near a scrap-metal dealer.
Certain tunnels are very open and visible, Knoetze explains, However, they are overgrown with bushes and filled with rubbish – which makes it difficult to see into. If it were kept clear, we might be able to see criminals hiding.”
He also strongly suggests that padlocked gates should be erected at the main entrance and exit points of the tunnels.
The police have taken note.
“We have increased our patrols in these areas. There are also quite a number of police operations running to prevent this problem,” said Govender, adding that the SAPS had not heard of the suggestion of bolting these entrances. She wasn't sure it was viable. But it can be looked into,” she said.
Makana Municipality Head of Communications, Thandi Matebese, said the problem had not been raised with the municipality. He said the municipality had many new staff members, which could be why no one had heard of criminals using the tunnels to escape. He said there were no immediate plans to contain the problem, but now that they were aware of it, it could be addressed in the correct forums.
“We are eager to hear any advice we get from security experts and then look into it – possibly close escape routes. We want to create a friendly and safe environment for all,” said Matebese.
Knoetze maintains that the tunnels are directly linked to the high level of theft in Grahamstown. “The crime rate would go down if gates were put up. Criminals would be forced to run along the streets with their stolen goods, meaning catching them would be simple. You can’t catch thieves if you can’t see them,” Knoetze says.
Hi-Tec’s five tips for keeping safe
- Don’t walk alone at night, particularly if you’re a woman.
- Lock rooms when having a party or going out.
- Don’t leave anything in your vehicle. Car windows have been smashed to steal as little as R2.
- When going out, put all valuables in a safe place; hidden from view.
- Close windows whenever you leave the house.
