Paulshof residents gathered at the Paulshof Spruit Park today to confront city officials over what they described as an escalating crisis of lawlessness, health hazards, and environmental destruction at the popular greenbelt.

The meeting, called by the Region A Health Department, brought together representatives from City Parks, Environmental Health, the city’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) office, and Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy.

Read more: Paulshof Community comes together to make their spruits shine

The discussions centred on ritual gatherings, animal slaughter, noise, fire hazards, waste dumping, and the unchecked occupation of public open space.

Residents say these activities, which have grown significantly in recent years, are turning the park into a danger zone, instead of a recreational space.

Long-time resident Kai Hichert voiced the frustrations of many, calling for urgent intervention from multiple departments. “We, as residents, are already cleaning up, putting out fires, and doing our part, but we need City Parks to take responsibility and reclaim this park. We need JMPD here to enforce the by-laws. We’re not here to fight with the city. We want your assistance. We can’t do this alone.”

Hichert further urged the city to consider temporary closure of the park if necessary, and to install signage warning of the toxic water. “The water is not safe. We need signs from the Health Department saying no bathing allowed because the water is toxic. This is about basic health and safety.”

Reddy raised specific concerns about animal slaughter taking place along the riverbanks. “Slaughtering is not sanctioned by the city without approval. There are rules on humane treatment, disposal of carcasses, and the protection of neighbours. In this case, carcasses are being left on the riverbed or thrown into the water, contaminating it further. That is a violation of health laws and by-laws.”

He warned that many of the gatherings, some of which involve churches, were taking place without the required permissions. “By-laws state that more than 20 people cannot gather in a public open space without approval. There are no facilities here, no water, no ablutions, and yet large groups are occupying the park for most of the day. This cannot continue unchecked.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Long-time Paulshof resident Kai Hichert raises concerns during the public meeting at Paulshof Spruit Park, calling on city officials to enforce by-laws, restore safety, and take back responsibility for the park. #Spruit #Paulshof ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Nokubonga, from City Parks, acknowledged the scale of the problem and confirmed that a cross-departmental response is being prepared. “This is not an issue one department can resolve. It involves Health, City Parks, JMPD, Environmental Management, and other entities. We are starting a collaborative process to ensure that when we return to the community, we do so with one voice and one solution.”

The meeting concluded with city officials committing to further discussions across departments before presenting a co-ordinated action plan. The next meeting will be in a week or two as different departments asked for time to do their investigations.

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