Ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys commended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) for its festive operations in the city’s open spaces.
Among these operations was the monitoring of Gillooly’s Farm on the New Year’s Day.
Clr Humphreys said the presence of the police at the park was to curb alcohol abuse and other crime in the public spaces.
“Gillooly’s Farm is extremely popular. We want our residents and those visiting to enjoy our public spaces. But unfortunately when there is alcohol there will be trouble. Alcohol is a problem. Alcohol abuse in our public spaces leads to fights and confrontations,” she said.
She said the presence of the EMPD and monitoring of the parks helped eliminate the chaos and robberies that occur every year at the park during this time.
“I respect our forces. Despite being under-resourced they did a sterling job. Most of them worked an average of 48 hours non-stop during this time. What they normally get is people yelling at them saying they are useless. They are not. They work very hard to keep us safe. I want to say to them, thank you,” Clr Humphreys said.
