Urinating in public: EMPD speaks up
Urinating in public is something most people have witnessed at one stage or another, whether they are the guilty perpetrator or passing by the offender.
For generations this practice been a continuing eyesore and prone to draw disgust and outrage from law-abiding citizens.
Some also see it in the same way as public indecency, as flashing genitals, which has become more the norm than actually having to relieve oneself.
Section 43 (4) in the EMPD by-law states:
No person shall urinate or defecate in any street or public place.
Wilfred Kgasago, spokesman for the EMPD, gave more insight into what the by-law for this kind of act entails.
“In the past a fine of R200 was issued to the offender.
“Currently, the offender is arrested, charged on a docket and released by SAPS on bail of R200.”
He further states that the Metro Police don’t go out of their way to enforce this bylaw.
“We rely on the public to observe the norms of decency acceptable in their communities or in society, nonetheless, any person witnessed committing this offence is arrested,” he says.
Community members in Springs aired their opinion on this matter on the Springs Advertiser’s Facebook page:
Colette Oosthuysen: “It is disgusting! People even stop in the middle of the street, even on highways, to relieve themselves. This should be treated the same as drinking and driving! The guilty ones don’t even try to hide it anymore, it’s like they are flashing whilst doing it!”
Johan Human: “Hie hie, if you gotta go you gotta go!” (sic)
Cebile Ntshangase Felicity: “Yes, like here in town people don’t have respect anymore. Not even to hide what they are doing, they just do it in front of you. Now you’re scared to take your child to town as he or she will see these things. I think metro must do something.”
Anne Franks: “Was just telling my class yesterday how disgusting it is… men don’t even hide behind a tree anymore, just do it in the open where everyone can see them… so gross!”
Amanda Stander: “It is absolutely disgusting. I understand children sometimes can’t wait that long, but most adults have perfectly fine bladder control. I don’t want to drive by and have my children see someone’s privates. Most people don’t even bother to turn their backs. It is indecent exposure.”
Chantal Baker: “I hate it. How do you explain that to your children? They will think it’s right. Hell no, I’ve got four little boys.”
