[VIDEO] Illicit weekend activities on lock-down, Flora Park Dam restrictions in place
Today, two of the park's gates are locked, leaving access into the park to only two small pedestrian gates.
POLOKWANE – The Chairperson of the Flora Park Community Policing Forum (CPF), Arnold Smith, has welcomed the decision to close the Flora Park Dam for vehicles. The now notorious dam is only open for ‘recreational’ use, after Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba at a youth day event on 14 June gave instruction for the dam to be closed due to increased illicit activities over the years.
The notoriety of the park comes as a result of its link to the murder of Thorisho Themane, a 28-year-old man from the area who was brutally murdered by a group of teenagers in February.
Read more: Two additional teenagers appear in court for the murder of Thorisho Themane, case postponed
The park was once a leisure spot for locals, with braai facilities overlooking the dam and on weekends, would be filled to capacity. The dimly lit area, however made it a haven for illicit activities.
Today, two of the park’s gates are locked, leaving access into the park to only two small pedestrian gates. Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala confirmed that vehicles would no longer have access as previously.
“The park is still open for recreational use but people must park their vehicles outside and proceed into the park on foot.” The park has been a bone of contention for the Flora Park CPF, which has been calling for its closure for some time.
Smith himself has been vocal in the call, and said the latest development of barring cars from entry, is welcome news.
“This makes our job so much easier. When vehicles are parked inside the park, the boots start opening and the liquor and drugs come out.” He explained that the situation used to create conflict between the CPF and those frequenting the park.
He added the CPF wanted to make the park accessible to everyone since, and to reclaim the park to its former state where residents could relax in a crime-free environment. Const Mienkie Ramakgoakgoa from the Limpopo Media Centre said the park is now patrolled daily to effect this objective.
