The signs, in total worth R66 000, were erected on 3 March. Sadly, by 5 March, seven had been stolen under suspicious circumstances.
Members of the Zoo Lake Users Committee are reeling after the incident, saying that they suspect the new group of car guards, who have taken over at Moyo’s parking lot, took down the signs because they impede their ‘side-businesses’ of renting out little braais and washing cars, which the signs clearly state are contravening municipal bylaws.
“Both Parkview and Metro police asked us to put signs up in order for them to force park users to abide by the bylaws in place,” said chairperson for the committee, Fran Haslam. She explained that the purpose of signage stipulating the bylaws is to educate users that fires, alcohol and car washing, among other things, were not allowed in the park.
“It used to be known as the people’s picnic place,” Haslam continued. “That’s exactly what the committee wants to turn it back into, somewhere families can feel safe.”
She added that braais are the main cause for concern at the park because of the hot coals that get dumped at the bases of trees, destroying them from the bottom up.
“With braais come alcohol, loud music and all sorts of misbehaviour by users which, in turn, generally cause complete mayhem in the park on weekends and public holidays,” said Haslam.
Owner of Moyo’s, Brian Bridle, who is also part of the committee, shared Haslam’s sentiments. “The signs have been put up so that law enforcement has something to fall back on, and so that users can know what the bylaws are,” stated Bridle.
“For them to just get ripped down comes at a major cost and loss to the committee.”
Spokesperson for Joburg City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley, made the entity’s frustration regarding the thefts clear. “We are still investigating the nature of the missing signs and if it was specifically targeted to undermine bylaw enforcement at Zoo Lake,” she said.
The signs were donated by Mark Castel of BAM, coordinators of events like the Juma races and Neon runs, which are hosted at local parks in Joburg north.
“We’ve always worked well with City Parks and like to help where we can, that’s why we donated the signs,” said Castel.
“As for the theft of the signs, with regard to the City and times we live in, these things happen.” Castel has already committed to replacing the stolen signs at an extra cost of R15 000.
A case of theft has been opened with Parkview police and is under investigation.
Details: www.zoolake.org
