Glenhills outdoor gym targeted by scrap thieves
Last week, three pieces of gym equipment, including the shoulder press machine had various metal pipes and bolts stolen from them, rendering the machines unusable.
JUST weeks after being completed and being described as a ‘boon’ for the Glenhills community, the new outdoor gym on Rinaldo Road has been targeted by scrap metal thieves. Last week, three pieces of gym equipment, including the shoulder press machine had various metal pipes and bolts stolen from them, rendering the machines unusable.
The project which is part of the eThekwini Municipality Outdoor Gym Initiative was in an effort to promote a healthy city and encourage residents to exercise. Since its inception in 2014, more than 20 gyms have been built across the city.
Ward 110 councillor, Pete Graham expressed his disappointment at the theft and described the actions as ‘despicable’.
“This is just a disgrace. We are in times of limited resources and the City green lighted the project in order to create an enjoyable experience for children, for families and for fitness enthusiasts. It truly is disappointing and I’m in disbelief as the gym was only opened less than a month ago. I’ve contacted the City’s parks department to inform them of the theft and I’ve also been in touch with residents who believe they may have a solution to the theft and could possibly stop any further attempts to damage the machines,” he said.
Graham said he believed the theft was the action of scrap metal thieves.
Emil Swanepoel of the Glenhills Ratepayers Association said he too was frustrated by the theft.
“The thieves have robbed the families and the community of the use of a gym that was a benefit to us all. It is deeply frustrating and I cannot believe this has happened. My only hope is the thieves are caught and prosecuted,” he said.
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