AN alleged sexual assault on a teenager at the Mitchell Park toilets last week has prompted local ward councillor Martin Meyer to engage with city officials on the possibility of installing CCTV cameras at possible risk areas in the park.
According to reports, the 16-year-old girl went to use the toilet when a man wearing worn-out jeans and a shirt, grabbed her by the hair and groped her private parts, while holding a knife to her neck. He was allegedly disturbed by a group of cleaners, and ran off.
The teenager’s family were unable to open a case at Berea Police Station on the day claiming the police took too long to attend to them and they left.
The girl’s mother said they would try again after they received a response from police management over their treatment at the station.
Capt Poobalan Naidoo from Berea SAPS said he had spoken to the head of crime prevention, who informed him he was unaware of the incident.
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Jarrod Evans, precinct manager from Florida Road UIP said in incidents such as these where a case needed to be reported, the Metro kiosk in Florida Road could be utilised.
“Although Metro’s function is bylaw enforcement, the Metro kiosk can certainly be used to report crime for escalation to SAPS. Whether crime has occurred in or outside our precinct, incidents can still be reported to UIP Security. Our Sidewalk Monitors will also gladly assist in relaying info on to our security staff for assistance,” he said.
Councillor Meyer said he was present when the incident was raised at a CPF meeting with the station commander present.
“From my side, any such incidents are always shocking and need to be addressed. The Parks Department also has its own law enforcement wing, but this department has been chronically understaffed to deal with the large number of parks they have to patrol. A park as popular as Mitchell Park should have enough security personnel present at all times to prevent incidents like this from happening,” he said.
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