Editor's noteMunicipalNews

Park fracas highlights the need to take action – Councillor Mahaye

"I have asked that the municipality puts up a fence around McPhail Park to keep out those bad elements. We cannot have our young people behaving in such a manner"

Fifteen Dundee Secondary School pupils have been suspended following their involvement in a brawl in McPhail Park that overflowed into Friis Street.
The incident again highlighted anti-social activities in Dundee parks and Ward 2 Councillor, Thulani Mahaye said he has had enough.
Mr Mahaye who is also Dundee Secondary principal confirmed pupils from his school and from other unspecified schools were involved.
Residents who contacted the Courier said ‘young people – around 20 or so – had gathered in the park last Friday afternoon’.
“There was a party going on. It was rowdy and many were drinking and it appeared to be a free for all,” said one resident who declined to be named.
Mr Mahaye said learners must have gone to the park with friends following the crowning Miss DunSec earlier.
Things appeared to get out of hand at around 6pm and a quarrel broke out which saw a group of youths chasing another young man up Smith Street.  His pursuers were holding liquor bottles.

End of year parties arrive in Coronation Park
The young man took refuge in a Friis Street garden where the shocked owner (who also preferred not to be named) was mowing his lawn.
“Beer bottles were being smashed on the road. It was out of hand. I chased out the boy who ran into my garden but it was frightening as everyone was out in the street screaming. My electric gate was also damaged by those attempting to get in to catch the guy they were chasing.” A call to the police failed to achieve a response.
Mr Mahaye said he had received complaints and took action against offenders.
“We have contacted the parents and there will be a meeting in the week. In the meantime, 15 have been suspended.”
He said he received constant complaints about McPhail Park and was well versed in the ongoing problems in Coronation Park – although that park falls under Ward 4.
“I have asked that the municipality puts up a fence around McPhail Park to keep out those bad elements. We cannot have our young people behaving in such a manner. I also understand that a fence will also be put up around Coronation Park opposite the hospital which has been the source of many complaints.”


HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za.  Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.

 

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Support local journalism

Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Northern Natal News in Google News and Top Stories.

Terry Worley

Terry Worley has been associated with the Courier for many years and is involved in the community covering a variety of issues affecting residents. He has a passion for local politics and for the history of the area.

Related Articles

Back to top button