Young people from the SST informal settlement in Town Two are threatening to take the law into their hands to protect a local park.
The warning follows vandalism of the park which was recently refurbished by the City of Cape Town (“Newly refurbished play park provides SST children with healthy outlet to stay fit,” City Vision, 2 March).
It is alleged that vandals removed the rubber mats on the netball pitch.
A group of young people, who were playing soccer in the park, vowed to take the law into their hands to protect the facilty.
One of the boys, Andy, said he suspects that the mats were stolen by people who stay nearby.
“There is no one who can come from other areas to steal the mats here. The park is vandalised by people who are staying here. It is worse because they see us playing here every day but they damage it,” said Andy, adding that there are no other recreational facilities in the area.
He declared that whoever they found vandalising the park would be taught a lesson.
“We are tired of people going around stealing what is valuable for the community. We are the ones who are going to suffer at the end of the day. Once we catch someone stealing here we will beat that person,” he stated, adding that the officers could not be every where to monitor crime.
Ward 96 councillor Lucky Mbiza stated that he was not aware fo the damage since the area previously fell under Ward 93.
“I’m not aware of that because there are some changes because of this new demarcation. But the only park that I’m aware of is the one that is at Section 44 Makhaza where the criminals have stolen the net,” said Mbiza. He cited that he spoke to the residents and urged them to protect the facility. He also promised to visit the park to inspect the damage.
