Security measures discussed
The community’s persistence has led to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and Clr Carlos da Rocha meeting to discuss solutions to security threats in several open spaces.
The EXPRESS previously reported that residents called on officials to attend a public meeting to explain in detail why security measures suggested by them could not be implemented in Benbow Park, Kensington.
Residents demanded action after an alleged rape and several other crimes were committed in the park.
The JCPZ, however, said a request for fencing was not a viable option.
Residents said they were disgusted and disappointed at what seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm by Clr Da Rocha and JCPZ to take their concerns seriously.
Due to the apparent lack of interest, residents rallied together to find solutions themselves but demanded that authorities play their part as well.
Clr Da Rocha informed the EXPRESS of a meeting he had with the JCPZ to discuss the problems affecting the community.
“We discussed the problems pertaining to Benbow Park. We discussed what can and cannot be done. We also discussed what has been done and will still be done by the JCPZ at Rhodes Park,” said Clr Da Rocha.
The EXPRESS recently published articles stating that residents and the Cleveland SAPS had called on the JCPZ to implement safety measures in Rhodes Park.
Crimes committed in the park include robberies and muggings.
The EXPRESS also published an article about Kensington resident, Mr Chris Grosch and his son Travis, who were robbed by two men in Rhodes Park on June 13.
Although the Cleveland SAPS patrols the park, management said they needed help from other authorities to ensure that people were safe when visiting the area.
One of the ideas to improve safety was to lock all the gates in the evening. Clr Da Rocha said the JCPZ is considering locking the park.
He also said authorities are fixing broken fencing and finding solutions to weak spots around the park.
Panorama Park
Clr Da Rocha said he and JCPZ officials also discussed residents’ complaints about vagrants and litter in Panorama Park, Troyeville, opposite the Bertrams Spar.
He said a public meeting will take place after an oversight meeting with officials at the above sites, as well as all the koppies in the ward.
