Melville Koppies in danger
AUCKLAND PARK – A forum convenes to approach the worsening issues in the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.
A forum consisting of some relevant parties met to discuss problems affecting the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, on 28 September.
The meeting was held at the ACA Krans building in Auckland Park, and was orchestrated by Edwin Dacomb, City of Joburg’s assistant director of citizen relationship management and urban management in region B. Attendants included representatives from Sophiatown and Brixton SAPS, JMPD, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Melville Resident’s Association, chairperson of the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, Wendy Carstens, and Ward 88 councillor Pat Richards.
Security was highlighted at the meeting. Fence theft and damage has left the reserve unprotected, some said. It was agreed by all the parties that something needed to be done to rectify this issue, as the high accessibility of the reserve led to muggings and robberies in the surrounding areas. The corner of Beyers Naudé Drive and Judith Road was also identified as a hot spot for smash and grabs, and hijackings. A recent murder at the Westpark Cemetery highlighted the growing danger in the area.
The forum discussed the erection of stronger fences, but funding will be needed. Raymond Mamitela, representing JMPD, promised a more vigilant watch of the area. Other suggestions included better lighting, a consistent patrol from SAPS, and approaching the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to put cameras up in the area, as the university shares a boundary with the reserve.
The reserve contains valuable flowers in excess of 100 years old. The forum therefore showed concern about mountain biking in the reserve. It was established that other parties needed to be included in the solutions and a meeting should occur monthly, with the next meeting set for 26 October. Attendants were invited to a walk to view the reserve on 14 October.
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