Linden police were present during a clean-up in Victory Park’s Keith Fleming Park.
Drone images of the pollution and litter in the park went viral early in September. Apart from the pollution, various laws and security issues were highlighted at the clean-up.
Constable Takalani Matumba, the spokesperson for Linden police said, “The City’s by-laws are being broken when people occupy parks as their home. It is illegal to reside in a park or public space.”
Due to the rubbish found along the riverbanks in the park, it is apparent that the people staying there made a living by recycling items found in dustbins.
According to Matumba, these recyclers may be involved in crime-related issues in the area. During the clean-up police discovered a firearm and cable cutters hidden in the grass.
Matumba said, “The firearm that was found will be sent for ballistic testing to determine where it was used for the commission of a crime.”
She added that the cutters could be used to cut burglar bars or cables and copper wires.
Matumba informed residents that the police did not have the authority to remove people who are living in parks.
“The community cannot contact the police to remove people at parks, they can contact City Parks to attend to the matter. The police can only assist when necessary.”
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