Remain aware of your surroundings when visiting city parks
A kidnapping and armed robbery are two recent events which highlight how easy it is for criminals to conduct their nefarious activities.
In the last couple of days, there have been at least two incidents of violent crime at two different parks in the newspaper’s footprint.
Firstly, at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, where a man was kidnapped and forced into a white panel van, and another where armed men robbed visitors and stole their car at Tighy Park in Westdene. The vehicle was later discovered in Westbury.
At Tighy Park, *James, a Westdene resident, was with his friend when they were robbed at gunpoint by three men. “The criminals who robbed us at gunpoint did not seem professional but were rather opportunistic armed robbers.”
He says they were near the skate park where they often spend time riding their bikes and skateboarding.
“Three guys arrived and seemed to be under the influence of alcohol. They hung around for about an hour. Two friends of ours came to join us but quickly left as they felt uncomfortable.”
James moved away a bit when he took a phone call but looked back and saw the men pointing a gun at his friend.
“They took his phone, wallet, and car keys. They turned around and pointed the gun at me – I fled on my bike and got away. The men then left in my friend’s car. They took my backpack too but luckily; I did not have much in it
“There are often kids and mums with their babies in the park, especially at the skate area. I hope something can be done to make it safer.”
*Steven says, “I was shocked, worried about the impact of replacing my items and, of course, my car. I am just grateful to be alive.” He says they seemed volatile. “Did everything they wanted me to do.” After the fact, he says, is the worst part. “Thinking about going back is not easy but skating there is one of my favourite things to do.” The police, he says, have been great at keeping him up to date with developments.”
Speaking about Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, “I hope they do not reduce security efforts in parks which are already strained because I have heard rumours about budget cuts.”
Spokesperson Jenny Moodley says, “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is deeply concerned about the random reports of criminal activity occurring in parks and cemeteries. While City Parks is responsible for horticultural maintenance, it does not have the authority to enforce by-laws or investigate reported incidents of transgressions. To address this, JMPD has deployed a small contingent of officers who patrol the city’s flagship facilities including Tighy Park, alongside park rangers as part of the Safer Cities programme. This initiative is aimed at deterring crime.”
She says that because crime is often opportunistic, the police and metro police play a crucial role in containing criminal activity across the 2 173 public open spaces managed by City Parks.
The fence along Tighy Park was also recently stolen. “Unfortunately, as we have seen at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, fences do not deter criminals.”
Regarding the above two incidents, “They are currently under investigation by the police and City Parks is not privy to developments in this regard. In both cases, a strong security presence was in place.
“Vigilance and community involvement remain critical in ensuring visitor safety in these valuable green spaces.”
When visiting parks, it’s crucial to prioritise safety:
– Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for anything unusual or suspicious.
– Ensure that children, the elderly, and the vulnerable are accompanied. Safety in numbers matters.
– Stick to paths and areas that are not secluded. Avoid conservation areas with dense tree cover or shrubs that obstruct visibility.
– Use designated parking areas.
– Enter parks between sunrise and sunset, and no later than 18:00. Daylight hours are safer.
– Minimise what you carry. Leave expensive items at home to reduce the risk of theft.
– Stay informed and be aware of safety trends in parks.
– Interact with familiar people and with individuals you know and trust.
– Comply with park by-laws. Grime and drugs are known to attract criminal elements.
– Report all suspicious activity to security or call JMPD on 011 375 5911 or police on 10111.
*Not their real names.
Related article: Eco Park managed with a public-private partnership with City Parks and SCP Security
