Car boot parties plague Umbilo park

ONGOING car boot parties at an Umbilo park has forced ward councillor Mmbatho Tembe to request permanent Metro Police presence at the park.

Residents living around Newstead Park in Prospect Road have had to contend with regular noise from parties and at a recent gathering on 30 May, residents were shocked to hear gunshots being fired well into the night.

Tembe said she had been approached by residents who also sent her videos showing cars driving into the park, and the parties where loud music is played and party goers scream and shout, openly consume alcohol do drugs and urinate.

They also leave litter behind once they leave. Tembe said videos showed the aftermath of these parties, where sometimes up to 60 cars were parked inside the park.

A resident recently posted on social media that party goers left weapons, drug taking paraphernalia, codeine syrup bottles, broken glass and excretement by the playground where children are meant to play, and fires were left burning unattended. Parties often continue until 2am despite calls to Metro and SAPS.

Umbilo CPF member, Karin Dreyer, said numerous residents had received reference numbers from Metro Police following the party on 30 May, however no action was taken.

“The people were firing guns and the wooden swings were put on the braai! This park is being ruined,” she said.

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Councillor Tembe said: “Metro Police have been called, residents have reference numbers and sometimes the police go out hours later, but this isn’t deterring anything. I had a meeting with Parks Department representatives and Metro Police at the park at the end of last month, and they are aware of the problem. Parks replaced bollards and put a chain up to stop cars entering the park, but the chain was broken the next day. Parks has put up a sign warning that people are not allowed to drink or litter in the park, but parties continue regardless.”

She said this was essentially an enforcement issue which was the mandate of Metro Police.

“I have requested permanent or increased police visibility in the park and for more patrols to ensure enforcement happens. Although Metro go out, it is not enough. Despite the fact that Parks staff do clean up, this park is dirty all the time. These parties need to be stopped,” said Tembe.

Snr Supt Parboo Sewpersad from Metro Police said residents needed to report illegal activity in the park to the control room for action to be taken.

“Unfortunately an application for permanent police presence such as a satellite station, needs to be done by the councillor through Council’s structures, and in collaboration with the community. These cars shouldn’t be there. Only Parks and Recreation can give authority for events to be held in local parks. They need to put precautionary measures in place to prevent this, such as bollards around the park. Residents are urged to call 361 0000 to report incidents,” he said.

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