Bush is being cleared from a crime hotspot outside the All Souls Anglican Church in Salt Rock.

The pathway through dense shrubbery at the corner of Sheffield Beach Road and Salt Rock Road, has become a high risk area for crime, including theft, prostitution and drug dealing.

Acting chairperson of the Umhlali Community Policing Forum, Josha Daniel, said criminals were using the cover to rob passers-by and some people had even taken shelter there.

“This bush has been cleared so that people can feel safe when walking past. We are grateful to everyone involved in this project and will proceed with the clearing under the guidance of experts like Di Jones. Our aim is not to destroy nature but to make the area safer,” said Daniel.

With support from The Workstation, DCWM, DCTA Contractors, Ballito Street Sweepers, Xtreme Cleaning, and Dolphin Coast Conservancy, about 30 tonnes of waste and invasive vegetation were removed.

Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones highlighted that the forest is full of an invasive plant species called Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia).

“It grows like wildfire if even a leaf or a thorn is dropped, so has to be cleared and disposed of directly to the hazardous landfill.”

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