Residents’ association happy as man arrested for possession and dealing in drugs

A residents’ association in Wierdapark is pleased after a recent by-law enforcement operation will see a man suspected of possession and dealing in drugs appearing in the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on February 14.

The arrest comes at a time when frustration continues to mount among Wierdapark residents over safety conditions and drug usage in the area.

The suspect is scheduled to appear on February 17, following his arrest during an integrated drug operation at Koedoe Park, which aimed to address the growing drug problem in the area.

Police spokesperson Johan van Dyk confirmed that the operation was the result of extensive intelligence-gathering efforts.

“The collaboration was between the SAPS, the CPF, local security companies, and the Tshwane Metro Police.”

He said the operation was meticulously planned after community concerns about drug-related offences were raised during engagement sessions.

“An action plan was developed and implemented to tackle the drug problem,” he said.

“Based on the gathered intelligence, the operation led to the arrest of the suspect, who was found in possession of five sachets containing cocaine and heroin, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.”

Van Dyk emphasised the importance of community collaboration in such initiatives.

The Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, commended the team for its efforts and encouraged similar operations to combat drug-related activities.

Frustration has continued to mount among Wierdapark residents over matters relating to safety conditions and the deterioration of the area.

The area surrounding Koedoe Park and the nearby Wierda Park Shopping Centre has become a focal point for illicit activities, including drug dealing, public drinking, and vagrancy.

Residents feel their safety in the community has been jeopardised, while others remain very concerned as drug dealing allegedly occurs at a park near Springvale Primary School.

They have expressed deep concern over the exposure of schoolchildren to public indecency and drug-related equipment, including discarded needles that could pose a direct risk to their safety.

Wierda Park Residents Association (WPRA) chairperson Liza Vorster praised the recent by-law enforcement but warned that without consistent follow-up, the situation could quickly return to its previous state.

“We are very happy with the recent operation by law enforcement agencies; however, if it is not followed up quickly, it will escalate back to the original situation.”

She said Wierda Park Shopping Centre has been at the centre of complaints as the parking area has become a hotspot for drug dealing, public drinking, and vagrancy.

“On any given day, if you drive in, you will find people standing in the parking area, drinking openly in public, selling drugs, and there are a lot of vagrants. It’s simply unacceptable what is happening there.”

Vorster noted that the WPRA, alongside the CPF, AfriForum, and private security, have been working tirelessly to address the issues at Koedoe Park and the shopping centre.

She explained that while the park is currently free of squatters due to the recent work by the TMPD, the situation requires constant monitoring.

“We have to continuously drive by and chase drug addicts out of the park,” she said.

Vorster highlighted how critical it is to protect Koedoe Park, as it lies adjacent to Springvale Primary School.

She described troubling scenes where children have been exposed to public indecency and the dangers of discarded needles.

“What we fear is that the needles could end up on the other side of the park, where children from Springvale Primary play,” she said.

“This creates an unsafe environment as the learners could step onto those needles, or worse.”

The WPRA has proposed several solutions to address the safety and security concerns in the area.

Vorster revealed that the association has offered to assist in fencing off the shopping centre, installing proper lighting and cameras, and resurrecting a guardhouse at the centre.

“Residents want safe shopping and to see legal operations and a clean centre,” she said.

However, she expressed frustration at the lack of response from the metro regarding these proposals.

She said the neglect of Koedoe Park has had a significant impact on the surrounding community.

“The park was originally intended to be a recreational space, but it has become a hub for illegal activities over the years.”

Vorster added that the park was once a place where boys played soccer, but now it is frequented by squatters and drug users.

“Fires started by the drug users in the park have also raised health and safety concerns.”

Vorster pointed out that Springvale Primary School has been trying for years to lease the land and convert it into a proper parking space, which would also help alleviate traffic issues in the area. However, progress on this front has been slow.

“For the past three years, the school has been filling applications to the metro to ask whether they can lease the land and fence it off to create a proper parking space, as they indeed require a parking solution.

“This would also help alleviate the traffic issues we face near the school, particularly with Willem Botha as the main route,” said Vorster.

She stated that non-functional streetlights have also created a significant safety and security issue in the area.

“We are willing to take action ourselves to repair the lights and make the necessary improvements.”

Vorster added that she has been in contact with the Mayoral Committee of Tshwane and the city manager, who provided them with a community upliftment project (CUP) application for the Eldoraigne substation.

She hopes a similar initiative can be implemented for the Wierda Park Shopping Centre to improve the situation.

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