Garsfontein park overrun by vagrants raises safety and environmental concerns
Residents claim they can no longer relax and unwind, or walk their dogs at the park as it is no longer safe.
A rise in vagrants at Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein on Rooigras and Keeshond streets has raised concerns in the area, especially among nature lovers about safety and ecological damage.
The park has deteriorated drastically to harbour criminal activity and massive littering.
The current condition has angered local ratepayers, who blame the Tshwane metro for failing to maintain the park by keeping excellent standards related to safety, cleanliness, and a well-regulated public area for the community to enjoy.
The park was described as once beautiful with a stream, tennis court, pedestrian walk, and area for walking your dog. In a bid to bring back the park to its former glory, residents in Garsfontein and surrounds had petitioned the metro to urgently remove the vagrants, enforce by-laws and ensure that the operating hours of the park are adhered to.
Over 680 residents signed the petition in September 2023 asking the metro to take action. However, this seemed to fail as vagrants started moving in large numbers, turning the park into a field riddled with open fires and homeless individuals bathing in the stream.
Ward 45 councillor Elizabeth Basson speaking on current conditions said the park had been hijacked by vagrants.
“Vagrants put up structures at night to sleep, like tents. They use the watercourse for toilets, bathing and washing of their clothes. They make fires to cook and to stay warm in an area not regulated for open fires.”
She said vagrants have always been in the park but the increasing number is worrying.
“The park is compromised and cannot be used by the general public.”
She said the park has six gates in three different streets and it remains a challenge to lock and unlock the gates.
“At the stipulated time that the park should be locked, squatters however find a way back through the stormwater canals.”
Basson said the wetland has been destroyed and residents are no longer safe visiting the park.
“Children can no longer play in the park as it is unsafe. Substances are allegedly being used in this public park, and it is used as a hiding place for criminals especially after dark,” said Basson.
She added that the spruit and wetland are being contaminated.
“They bathe and relieve [go the toilet] and do all sort of things in the spruit.”
Basson said the Department of Social Development has offered the vagrants alternative accommodation, especially the elderly but some turned it down.
She added that crime is a concern and residents no longer feel safe visiting the park.
“It is communicated that there are apparent activities in the park, like drugs and alcohol abuse and it is suggested that some criminals use the park as a hiding area and getaway place.”
She said raids at the park have occurred, and a multi-disciplinary team has been formed to find measures and strategies for a permanent solution.
Resident Stefani du Preez said Jimmy Aves Park has become very unsafe.
“We used to be able to walk our dogs there, but now it is riddled with squatters, and has become a hideout for criminals.”
Marie Wessels said Jimmy Aves is a public park close to primary schools.
“We have many children and families in the area and our safety is at risk due to what is happening in the park. Urgent action should be taken.”
Susan Kruger who lives next to the park said safety is a concern.
“It is also a health concern if people use the park for ablutions where there is no infrastructure provided for this. Not just for people living in the area, but also for the unfortunate that are sleeping, and doing whatever there.”
The metro said it is looking into measures to completely prevent vagrancy and trolley pushing into the park.
“Subject to budget availability, an ideal option would be the installation of turn-style gates to prevent trollies however access gates will have to be available to accommodate disabled residents to enter the park,” said Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
Mashigo said the city will ensure that by-laws are enforced at the park.
“There are monthly joint operations with the Tshwane metro police wherein police is involved. Recently, the community assisted in a joint clean-up operation which included ward councillors.”
Mashigo added that to ensure the park is clean, the metro will increase the number of staff members for the upkeep of the park.
He said notices are placed on the notice board to indicate the operating hours of the park which are from 06:00 – 18:00.
“These notice boards indicate the activities that are allowed in line with the by-laws. Locking the park will result in damaging fences which can’t be replaced due to budget constraints.”
Mashigo said however the TMPD will be engaged to enforce by-laws.
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