The Ward 20 councillor has continued to call for a thorough clean-up of Posselt Park in Bedfordview.
Following the discovery of a body within the park’s swamp on March 7, no other information was shared by the police or relevant departments.
Clr Jill Humphreys stated, “Sadly, a human body was found and removed from the lake in this park. After the numerous attempts to have it cleaned up and made safe for our communities, this is a most shocking indictment.”
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A resident who said they lived opposite Posselt Park had also previously reached out to the councillor, pointing out that the grass and weeds were waist-high.
“The park has not been attended to for months now. It is filthy. It is used by the various taxi operators as a toilet and dumping ground. It is a haven for various people who have again erected living spaces there.
“It is not safe to walk through. It’s frequented by drug users who walk around and hassle folk around the Bedford Gardens Hospital area,” grieved the resident.
Meanwhile, the councillor requested the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to assist with a meaningful and thorough clean-up as follows:
• Grass to be cut and removed
• Reeds need to be opened up
• People living in and amongst the reeds are to be relocated
• Illegal structures to be removed.
• Illegal dumping to be cleaned up and removed
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CoE’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, admitted that they had received requests from the community regarding grass cutting and the removal of vagrants occupying the park.
He, however, said the park was not neglected.
“Grass cutting is conducted in accordance with the planned maintenance programme. The Parks Division works in coordination with the EMPD to clean the park and remove illegal occupants in order to maintain safety,” Dlamini explained.
He added that grass cutting at the park had been conducted from March 12 to April 2. He said maintenance was carried out in line with the approved grass cutting programme.
The spokesperson said there were no confirmed cases of individuals residing in the reeds and added, “Should any individuals occupy the park unlawfully, the EMPD is engaged to facilitate their removal.”
Dlamini said the Parks Division will continue with scheduled horticultural maintenance to ensure the park remains clean and functional.
The EMPD will continue to enforce bylaws, address unlawful occupation, and support integrated efforts to sustain a safe and accessible public environment.
