‘Park of shame’ finally under watchful eye

With the community as the driving force behind changing the face of the Paterson Street park, Newcastle Municipality recently confirmed the CCTV cameras are up and running.

In November last year, Mayor, Afzul Rehman promised to make the ‘park of shame‘ his personal project.

Setting aside funds in the 2015/16 budget for CCTV, installing flood lights, deploying security guards and cutting down some of the trees was all part of Cllr Rehman’s game plan to restore the park’s tarnished reputation.

Chief Security Officer, Pieter Marais said since the cameras were installed, the prostitutes have resorted to going about their ‘business’ on Harding Street.

On May 29, the management team of a local early childhood development centre decided to break down their signage wall after they noticed rubbish and faeces piling up behind it.

Under the instruction of Cllr Rehman, Mr Marais visited the establishment to investigate the matter further.

“The wall had indeed been demolished as a result of people using it as a toilet facility,” he said. “We are of the opinion that someone other than the prostitutes was responsible for the incident.”

Mr Marais claimed the preventative measures taken to date ‘seemed to be working’, since no reports of prostitution near the park have surfaced.

“We would like to request that in the event such incidents reoccur it be reported to the CCTV security control room on 034 328 4700/49. This is a criminal offense and anyone found defecating in public can be issued with a J534 and fined by the SAPS,” he explained.

Security guards stationed at the park have been instructed to be more observant and report isolated cases to their control room immediately.

“In turn, the control room will inform police and our CCTV security control room will capture the incidents on camera for prosecution purposes,” said Mr Marais. “The supervisor of the external service provider and that of municipal security services will patrol and visit this area regularly to try and curb these incidents and apprehend those responsible for such vulgar acts.”

Chief Traffic Officer, Ashok Anandhaw reminded business owners that the erection and maintenance of signs was solely their responsibility.

“My suggestion is that they reconsider the type of construction of the signage. If the wall type allows people to hide behind it, this can escalate criminal activity and can be dangerous for the property owners,” concluded Mr Anandhaw.

Thanks to the continuous support of police and the community, the municipality is certain the park’s reputation will remain unscathed well into the foreseeable future.

With all eyes now on Paterson Street, no deed will no unpunished.