Meville Koppies West is the less safer side
MELVILLE – The West side of the Koppies is managed by City Parks and falls under the Sophiatown police precinct but unfortunately faces constant security issues.
Koppies conservation and tour group remind the public that the Melville Koppies have three distinct sections.
Sophiatown Police Station recently stated that common robbery along the Melville Koppies has raised concerns but the Friends of Melville Koppies (FOMK) have come out to say this isn’t the case across the Melville Koppies Complex.
FOMK chairperson Wendy Carstens explained, “Many people may not know that the Melville Koppies Complex has three distinct sections; Melville Koppies Central flanked by Melville Koppies East and Melville Koppies West. The volunteer Melville Koppies Management Committee (MKMC) takes care of Melville Koppies Central which is the nature reserve and Joburg Heritage site.” This is the section of the koppies that is only opened on Sundays between 8 and 11.30am under the guard of a Beagle Watch Armed Response officer and a security-trained Melville Koppies conservation worker.
Additionally there is a Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo guard present at the koppies every day to ensure no one moves into the space whenever the central section isn’t in use. Carstens stated, “The Melville Koppies East has two Beagle Watch guards who also do a patrol during the Sunday sessions. This is a precaution as the reserve is right in the middle of Johannesburg where there is crime.”
She noted that the MKMC also takes care of the east section of the koppies open to the public 24/7. Thanks to the Melville Security Initiative, two Beagle Watch guards do duty there every morning from 7am to 8.30am as a precaution with notices at every entrance for people to enjoy the space while being safe and secure. Both the central and east sections of the Koppies fall under the Brixton police precinct.
Melville Koppies West is the larger of the sections coming in at 100ha. This section of the Koppies lies between Westdene and West Park Cemetery and is zoned as a public open space. Carstens explained, “The Melville Koppies West is managed by JCPZ and falls under the Sophiatown police precinct. There are constant security issues here. What is needed here are regular and constant follow-up patrols by City Parks rangers, Metro police and police officers, to remove the long-time displaced people and vagrants who may be responsible for the security issues plaguing this beautiful section.”
