Unpleasant experience at the cricket

Len Humphreys writes:

File photo.

On September 25, we decided on the spur of the moment to go to the ODI between South Africa and Ireland, at the much talked about and pleasant venue of Willowmoore Park, in Benoni.

Trying to find parking was chaotic and stressful.

Rude, in-your-face parking attendants were interested only in how much you were prepared to pay.

There was no police presence to speak of to assist.

Finding parking opposite the main gate, at a filling station, was a bonus.

The ground had a vibe about it: “Sunday family outing”.

Making our way back to our car I was jostled and harassed, only to find on reaching my car that my cellphone had been pick-pocketed.

No use even to think of going back to look for it.

Sad to say, we are left with unpleasant memories of Benoni and will not be returning to Willowmoore Park.

Rather stick to Wanderers or Centurion.

The remedy, I suggest, is to jack up your metro and local police and to keep the area safe and pleasant for visitors and residents alike.

Editor’s note:

Cassim Suliman, chief executive officer of Eastern Cricket, replies: ”The stadium has parking for 3 000 cars and the public parking area is demarcated and clearly visible.

“We discourage spectators from parking in prohibited areas, as it is unsafe and cars have been stolen and broken into.

“As for the metro police, we had several meetings with the disaster management committee of the metro, which includes SAPS, metro police, event security and safety and fire and health representatives.”