Grass cut in problematic park
At the time, resident Mr Moses Shivambu said it was unsafe to have such long grass in a park, especially one that is in the middle of a suburb.
The situation in the park located on Kirkby Road remains unchanged, despite calls from residents to have the powers-that-be intervene.
After an attempted rape last month, Bedford Gardens residents called on the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) to cut unkempt grass as it provided a hiding place for criminals looking to take advantage of women walking to and from work.
On October 22, the NEWS reported that workers travelling by train also walk through the park as it provides a shortcut.
At the time, resident Mr Moses Shivambu said it was unsafe to have such long grass in a park, especially one that is in the middle of a suburb.
“The municipality needs to maintain the park regularly and make sure there are security measures in place. This could even include a fence, because criminals take advantage of the fact that it is an open space. Vagrants sometimes sleep in the park from time to time,” said Mr Shivambu.
Ms Mpho Moloto is one of the people who works in the area and walks through the park on her way to and from work.
She said, “If I leave work too late I cannot walk through the park because I fear no one would hear my cry for help if I get attacked.”
The EMM’s spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe, told the NEWS that the municipality had noted the complaint by residents and is currently cutting the long grass.
“Residents should also take note that the high volume of rain we are currently experiencing may cause delays to the EMM’s grass cutting schedule, while causing grass to grow at an even faster than expected pace,” he said.
Mr Gadebe also said residents should not hesitate to report cases such as this one to the municipality.
Upon the NEWS’ third visit to the park, EMM employees were on-site with grass cutting equipment.
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