Two wooden crosses that have been placed on the corners of Plattekloof Road and De Grendel Avenue in Bothasig in remembrance of two young people who lost their lives near the site, have disappeared.
It is still unclear as to who removed the crosses.
Last week Justin Smit, who restored the crosses, posted the news on social media along with pictures of the crosses.
Two crosses at site three years
“These two crosses have been outside my house, on the corner of Plattekloof Road near the traffic circle, for three years. I recently refurbished them, and after about three weeks, they went missing, presumed stolen. Does anyone know anything, or seen anything regarding this? The families of the girls know nothing about them being removed either,” Smit wrote in his post.
He told the newspaper that he has no idea of even where to start looking for information regarding the matter.
The two women for whom the crosses have been erected as a sign of remembrance are Lerato Stevens (28) and Thando Ndlovo (23). Smit said both women passed away in a motor vehicle accident at the spot in the early hours of the morning of 9 March 2020.
Crosses not permitted by law
TygerBurger approached the City of Cape Town to enquire more about bylaws pertaining to crosses next to a road.
“In terms of the relevant bylaws, the placing of any structure or object on a public road reserve is not permitted. Whilst the intent may be understood, it distracts the road user and creates a precedent of placing multiple obstructions on the road reserve. This has an effect on maintenance activities and also could pose a third party liability for council. It is therefore not permitted and also not supported in any circumstances,” said Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility.
Before the disappearance of the two crosses, there were in total seven crosses placed along Plattekloof Road.
