Councillor disappointed at response from SAPS, JMPD
Although a public meeting held to discuss the lack of safety in open spaces was a success, the apparent lack of commitment from the SAPS is worrying.
Clr Carlos da Rocha, of ward 66, said Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) committed to addressing concerns where possible, but he was disappointed that the Cleveland SAPS did not attend.
He was also disappointed that officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Jeppe SAPS were late for the meeting.
The meeting was called by Clr Da Rocha after a number of residents complained about crime and harassment by vagrants in and around open spaces. Residents raised concerns about the Langermann koppies, Benbow Park, Panorama Park, the Scottish Horse War Memorial, Rhodes Park and Observatory Ridge.
Residents said they do not feel safe visiting these open spaces and are victims of house robberies, burglaries, assaults and rapes.
“This meeting took me a long time to organise. I first had a meeting with the JCPZ. Then I requested an over-site visit to the hot spots to see what officials can do to address security risks. The public meeting I hosted recently was held for the JCPZ, SAPS and JMPD to provide residents with solutions,” said Clr Da Rocha.
He said he is happy the JCPZ committed to addressing concerns but for their plans to be a success, the SAPS and JMPD have to work together.
Clr Da Rocha said the JMPD and SAPS should have been at the meeting from the beginning to fully understand residents’ concerns and to hear what the JCPZ had to say. This would have allowed them to provide adequate service to the community.
“This is why we will always struggle. No one ever wants to take responsibility for the jobs they are hired to do. I do not feel I received a proper commitment from the SAPS or metro police as they had no idea what we were talking about,” said Clr Da Rocha.
Although late at the meeting due to prior commitments, Sergeant Marius Boolsen from the JMPD, said he understood residents’ concerns. He said the JMPD is trying to address the problems.
“Meeting after meeting is held about issues such as vagrants, criminals and other problems emanating from open spaces and people are now fed up. We understand that. The problem of vagrants living in open spaces is a social problem that has built up over the years. It did not start a few weeks ago.
“We are expected to change it quickly but it does not work like that. There is a vagrant problem across the city. I understand people’s feelings,” he said.
Sgt Boolsen said the JMPD is committed to uplifting the area and implementing the bylaws. “We are aware of the problems experienced by residents in the Langermann koppies and all other open spaces in the ward. The way forward is to increase visibility but this can only be done as far as resources allow. We will try to make it uncomfortable for vagrants to live in this area,” he said.
He urged residents to report vagrants and criminals operating in open spaces to authorities immediately so that action can be taken.
Colonel Lindiwe Magudulela, who represented the Jeppe SAPS at the meeting, said she took note of all the concerns raised.
“We want to conduct joint operations with the JCPZ to tackle problems encountered by residents. We will increase patrols. We started operations as part of our festive season plans, which include operations at open spaces within the precinct. We would also like to do joint operations with other police stations. Rhodes Park, for example, is not in the Jeppe SAPS’ precinct but we will work with the Cleveland SAPS,” she said.
Clr Da Rocha drew up a petition requesting that authorities implement safety measures and conduct law enforcement in local parks and open spaces. He also requested proper signage be placed warning people of the bylaws and the danger. The petition was signed by over 20 people at the meeting. Clr Da Rocha said he will forward the petition to the city soon.
