This was stated by Sergeant Desmond de Mackett, from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), at a recent Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting.
Over the past few months, several residents raised concerns about illegal church gatherings in Rhodes Park, Fotheringham Park, Bez Park and other open spaces such as the Langermann and Yeoville koppies. Residents have to contend with noise and, in some instances, high traffic volumes and damage to facilities. Some have also reported that the slaughtering of animals has taken place in certain open areas.
“Church gatherings, just like any other gathering in parks and open spaces without permission from the relevant departments, is illegal. People cannot hold church services and other activities without permission. It is not out of control yet but it is mushrooming across the city. The JMPD and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo are concerned and are trying to address these problems,” said Sgt De Mackett.
He said a roadshow was conducted recently to educate people about taking care of open spaces and officials requested that communities take ownership of their parks.
“We need everyone’s help. City Parks will help people who want to take care of open spaces. Dumping, crime and vandalism in parks is a huge problem. Some parks are a no-go area because people are using it for drug dealing, informal recycling and illegal businesses. There is also a ‘mechanic business’ in an open space in Yeoville. We are trying to educate people about the bylaws and are trying to find solutions to the problems,” said Sgt De Mackett.
A resident at the meeting urged the JMPD not to “negotiate” with people who contravene the bylaws in parks. He said if residents are not allowed to drive in parks, why negotiate with those contravening the bylaws?
“Do not wait and warn people. Just take action immediately. The laws are there. Just enforce them. Do we need to implement new laws and bylaws to arrest people?” he asked.
Sgt De Mackett said the JMPD acts when bylaws are contravened. “The law cannot be negotiated but we cannot act on something we do not know. Like vandalism, there are other crimes that are committed at different times. Things happen at different times and we may be attending to something else at that specific time. We do try our best to catch people in the act,” he said. He added that parks will be monitored and he urged people to report concerns immediately.
