Wierda Park residents are calling on the TMPD to increase enforcement at Koedoe Park, following a recent incident in which a man allegedly attempted to dump worn-out furniture there.

The incident has renewed long-standing concerns among residents about the deteriorating condition of the public space.

According to Wierda Park Residents Association (WPRA) chairperson Liza Vorster, the incident occurred on May 31.

“A resident living opposite the park noticed a vehicle offloading furniture and immediately approached the man involved. The resident advised the offender that this is a public park and not a dumping zone and warned him that the TMPD would be contacted if he did not remove the furniture,” she said.

The man reportedly claimed he was not dumping the furniture but was instead leaving it for homeless people who frequent the park.

“After being confronted and informed that his actions were unlawful, the offender eventually reloaded the furniture onto his trailer and left the park.”

Although no furniture was left behind, Vorster believes the incident highlights broader issues at Koedoe Park, particularly the lack of visible enforcement.

She expressed frustration at the ongoing problems in the area, saying the latest incident sends a message that anything and everything is permitted in the park.

Vorster warned that the situation poses health and safety risks, citing what she described as an increase in the number of homeless individuals and unlawful activities in the area.

“Residents have reported various issues, including people openly sleeping in the park, public urination and defecation, daily littering, public drinking, and vehicles and taxis parking in the area,” she said.

Vorster alleged that while TMPD officers are aware of these problems, enforcement remains limited.

“Residents hardly see TMPD officers patrolling in the area. They are often stationed at the four-way stop near Willem Botha Road and Koedoe Street issuing fines, but they ignore the park itself,” she claimed.

Vorster’s latest concerns are not new. In April, she described the municipal park as a growing hotspot for illegal activity, littering and public safety concerns.

She said residents had become increasingly frustrated by what they viewed as a lack of intervention from authorities. This prompted discussions between the WPRA, community members and a nearby tennis club about assisting with cleaning efforts and tree maintenance – subject to obtaining the necessary municipal approvals.

At the time, Vorster said the park’s large trees provided shelter for people who spend their days drinking in the park and for individuals sleeping there overnight.

She also raised concerns about public indecency, illegal squatting, frequent rubbish accumulation and the impact these issues were having on nearby residents and schoolchildren.

Residents had even raised R16 000 towards community-led efforts to improve conditions in the park.

Vorster now believes stronger enforcement is needed to address the situation.

Responding to these concerns in April, Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo told Rekord that the municipality was aware of issues at Koedoe Park.

Mashigo said the metro had inspected the park on February 9 and identified issues including littering and vagrants.

“The park’s proximity to a shopping centre and nearby schools contributes to the presence of vagrants and job seekers,” he said at the time.

He added that metro police had been called in to assist with incidents involving intoxicated individuals.

While Koedoe Park is included in the city’s monthly maintenance schedule, which covers grass cutting, litter removal and general upkeep, Mashigo acknowledged that service delivery is sometimes disrupted.

He explained that the ongoing presence of homeless individuals can affect the consistent implementation of maintenance efforts.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, Mashigo said gum poles previously installed at the park had been removed due to damage, deterioration and vandalism.

“The city is in the process of replacing them to help restrict unauthorised vehicle access to the park. The city’s by-law enforcement section is actively working to address illegal dumping, public indecency and other unlawful activities. This includes, where necessary, the removal of vagrants from the area.”

Mashigo noted that the TMPD is working alongside the SAPS and community structures to improve safety in the area.

He added that the matter of homeless people sleeping at the park had been formally referred to the TMPD, which continues to monitor and manage the situation.

Regarding the reluctance of some homeless individuals to be relocated by the metro, Mashigo said this was being addressed through collaboration between law enforcement and stakeholders from the Department of Social Development.

He said the metro aims to balance community safety with humanitarian considerations through ongoing engagement.

“Accountability is maintained through regular maintenance by the Parks Section, as well as responses to complaints submitted via ward councillors and community structures, ensuring that issues are addressed in a structured and responsive manner,” added Mashigo.

Rekord reached out to the TMPD for comment regarding the incident and broader concerns about enforcement and alleged by-law violations at Koedoe Park but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel