IT’S spring, a time people enjoy chilling in parks.
But residents of Etwatwa, in Ekurhuleni, said they find chilling at Mbethe Park impossible.
This is because nyaope boys have taken over their chilling space, as they sleep and gather to smoke nyaope during the day. And what annoys local residents is that when the nyaope addicts are high, they rob people.
Residents said the nyaope addicts also dismantle and steal training equipment in the park.
“They stole the metal railings and, as you can see, the park has only a few items left,” said one resident.
On Sunday, 2 October residents and the police gathered to come up with solutions to fight criminality in the park.
Resident, John Phungwayo, said they were worried about the crime happening in the park.
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Another resident, Alice Ngwayama, said: “Our kids can’t enjoy playing here because nyaope addicts own it.”
Sam Dlamini called on residents to unite to fight crime in the area.
The SunTeam visited the park but the addicts refused to speak to the People’s Paper.
Sergeant Khensani Mathebula said they will get individuals who will keep an eye on the park.
Meanwhile, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa said metro police will send a team to investigate what is happening in the park.
