Authorities raid Northcliff Ridge Ecopark as safety concerns grow

One of the best-known landmarks in the City of Joburg has become a haven for underage drinking, and authorities are concerned that the consequences may be dire.

Northcliff Ridge Ecopark, known to residents as Northcliff Hill, and famous for its water tower is a popular destination for young and old due to the magnificent panoramic views of the City. But those views come with risks that are being exasperated by the apparent abuse of alcohol and mind-altering substances.

“Are they waiting for someone to fall and die before they act? The police and JMPD are aware of this ongoing problem but don’t seem to care, I don’t know why,” said SCP Security’s Clive Maher.

Drinking in public is against the law, yet visitors to the park routinely become intoxicated despite the dangers of falling from the cliff. In 2015 a woman fell to her death after enjoying the sunset and fears are that this will happen again.

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Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker organised a blitz of the site after complaints from residents regarding the unruly behaviour of visitors to the area.

In attendance were JMPD, SCP Security who do their best to keep the location safe from opportunistic criminals, Fairland CPF and Sophiatown police.

Jonker said, “We don’t want to stop people from having a good time, we just want them to do it safely. I am especially worried about underage drinkers who move off the footpaths to hide their alcohol where they can so easily slip and fall, which could be fatal.”

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This first operation took a softer stance and warned people about drinking in public and the associated dangers, but she promises future campaigns will not be so tolerant of the blatant by-law violations and other rule breakers.

SCP Security’s, Clive Maher said, “There were about 80 people there, the vast majority who were drinking alcohol were either underage or young adults. We found glass bottles of beer, vodka, brandy and wine which JMPD either confiscated or poured out. This happens every weekend and the bottles are either left behind or smashed which also poses a threat to people who come to enjoy the views. People also sit in their cars and do drugs. This all means that people are not of sound mind and might manoeuver themselves carelessly whilst up the hill.”

Fairland CPF’s Mike Styer said, “I wish there had been stronger consequences for those breaking the law because the message sent was that you can get away with drinking in a public park. It is just a matter of time before a tragedy occurs.”

He added that the blatant alcohol abuse makes the venue uncomfortable for those law-abiding citizens who just want to enjoy the scenery without blaring music from beatboxes and rowdy revellers. “People also urinate openly and leave all their empty bottles and cans behind.”

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JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla said, “We urge members of the public to refrain from drinking in public places like parks, outside your property. We also see underage [drinking] as a real concern that is increasing at an alarming rate which can result in bad choices being made. People need to remember that they can have fun without becoming intoxicated.”

Another complaint mentioned by those in attendance was the sheer volume of cars parked on residential streets leading up to the Ecopark. Apart from being an annoyance to residents, the people who are becoming intoxicated at the water tower are then getting into their cars and driving while drunk. According to the Gauteng Liquor Act, “No person may consume liquor in, or near any public place including any road, street, alley, park. This includes being in a motor vehicle driven on a public road or parked in a public area.”

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Sophiatown police spokesperson TJ de Bruyn said, “We were there in a support role and made sure everyone was safe at the end of the operation as it was getting dark. We found no illegal activity and nobody was arrested. The area is isolated and there is no protection to prevent anyone from falling off the cliff should an accident occur, so people should be careful.”