The Northcliff Eco Park remains closed until further notice

Access to the famous landmark was restricted over the festive season by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) due to the dangerous behaviour of visitors to the ridge.

Spokesperson Jenny Moodley said, “Residents, with the support of the Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker and SCP Security who secure the area in the evenings, have opted to lock the facility in the interim due to non-compliant users.”

This was brought about after fears were again raised by Jonker in relation to high numbers of underage drinkers, dangerous traversing of the rocky outcrop and other anti-social behaviour of people who come to enjoy the spectacular views.

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The area was raided in October last year and JCPZ, JMPD, Fairland CPF and SCP Security found a litany of by-law transgressors and underage drinkers. This further prompted fears of a tragedy being almost certain to happen as visitors consume alcohol and mind-altering substances.

“Are authorities waiting for someone to fall and die before they act? JMPD, who polices by-laws, is aware of this ongoing problem but don’t seem to care, I don’t know why,” said SCP Security’s Clive Maher at the time. Public drinking is against the law but until this latest development of securing the venue was done openly.

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JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “We urge members of the public to refrain from drinking in public places like parks. 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.”

In 2015 a woman fell to her death after enjoying the sunset and fears are that this will happen again.

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JCPZs Conservation Department is currently exploring options to assess by-law transgressions in the facility. Moodley said, “Caution signs have been posted at the facility advising visitors to comply with these requests for their own safety, however, visitors continue to disregard these requests and there have been reports of selfies being taken to capture the steep drop, which is dangerous. Residents are invited to call Bishop Ngobeni to report transgressions on 083 981 0272.”

She ended by saying with over 2 173 facilities to oversee, the small contingent of 29 rangers are unable to maintain a permanent presence between 06:00 and 18:00 in the facility.

“In all of our parks, the onus is on visitors to comply and to be mindful that anti-social behaviour in public spaces disrespects other users and adjacent homeowners.”

SCP Security will continue to monitor the area despite the park being closed.

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