Metro police embark on a campaign to educate visitors to the Zoo Lake about by-laws

Metro police and a number of other stakeholders took to Zoo Lake on 16 November in an attempt to educate the community about the by-laws at the park.

The organiser of the campaign office, Ouma Morudi who works in the outreach division of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) said, “This drive is about educating the community to obey the rules of the park. We do not allow loud music and alcohol here. This is a picnic park. Unfortunately, because the by-laws have not been adhered to, a tree fell down at the lake after users placed hot coals on the base of the tree just a few weeks ago.

“People must use the designated braai area and dispose of their coals in the bins provided. Littering is also a major problem as well as illegal fishing and tents that people put up,” said Morudi.

Morudi said that following a number of complaints from community members, they decided to implement this drive to educate people before the by-laws are enforced.

“The festive season has begun and people are already using the park for their Christmas parties and also over weekends. We think that now is a good time to start,” said Morudi. She said that a number of other educational drives are planned before Metro police begin by-law enforcement.

Metro police were joined by the |South African Police Service, members of the Zoo Lake Users Group, City Parks, park rangers and local security companies for the campaign.

Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group, Fran Haslam said, “This is an exciting initiative. I take my hat off to officer Ouma for putting this drive together. I hope this will be the start of regular education programmes to enforce by-laws. Thank you to all those who have come through and made the effort to assist us today.”

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https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/241008/tree-falls-at-zoo-lake/