Recreational clubs at the Cecil Emmett sports grounds are currently experiencing serious vandalism. The Ski Boat, Rugby, Cricket, Vintage Car, Round Table, Bikers and Lions clubs are but a few that are suffering under the burden of destruction and vandalism. Some of these clubs’ properties have been broken into and vandalised more than 12 times, being reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as the municipality. Marlize Harmse says that if this vandalism continues on this scale, there will be no recreational activities for the community in the future. The burden of extra costs for repairs and replacement of destroyed items is a serious challenge for these clubs, since they have to operate on membership fees or contributions from members and the community. Several cases have been opened with the police, but no arrests have been made as yet. Even though security measures are in place at these premises, this does not seem to be a deterrent to the vandals. Club members also claim that the security guards are not doing their rounds and shirking their duties during shifts.
Sipho Ngcobo, head of Qhomkufa Security, said he is shocked to learn about these allegations. He furthermore acknowledges that they, as a security company, are employed by AbaQulusi Local Municipality, hence they are only responsible for the hall itself and not the clubhouses on the premises. “Those clubhouses are operated by private entities and they are responsible for their own security. They should approach my company if they want security or guards to patrol,” he explained. He also said that the company has a code of conduct regarding guards who don’t do their jobs or are involved in theft, which will not be taken lightly. Councillor Magda Viktor is aware of the problem, but she also confirmed that the municipality had informed her that the security is only applicable to the hall itself.
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