Update, 16.30pm:
Hennie Oosthuizen, Randburg CPF Chairperson has said, “We are fully aware of the vagrant at Cottesmore Park. The issue we are facing is that the park belongs to the City of Johannesburg and is, therefore, private property. The man living in the park suffers from mental health issues and we have tried to admit him for medical help but the process is arduous and he ends up back at the park, ” said Oosthuizen.
“It is incredible that the City allows this sort of thing to take place in our parks. The man was growing large amounts of dagga and vegetables in this park. JMPD and social services need to get involved to resolve this issue,” he added.
Earlier report:
A fire has been started at Cottesmore Park in Bryanston.
According to witnesses, the fire is suspected to have been started by a displaced man who is still on the scene and is allegedly known to be a nuisance in the area.
Sandton Chronicle is at the scene and has observed the man adding wood to the fire. Sandton Chronicle contacted the Randburg police, and the Joburg Central Emergency Management Services have been contacted to attend the scene.
Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood is aware of the incident and has on numerous occasions contacted Randburg police to intervene with regards to the man who dwells in the park.
“He needs to be taken to a place where they can assess him mentally. He is a danger to our community and to date Randburg police are yet to respond to multiple requests for intervention,” said Wood.
The fire brigade has arrived on scene.
