Park has become a nightmare
THE Nathaniel Isaac Park near Durban’s North Beach was once a popular recreation spot in the neighbourhood.
But now residents are up in arms about its deterioration into what they described as a haven for vagrants and drug dealers.
Residents of Nathaniel Isaac Crescent said they live in constant fear of vagrants and drug peddlers who have taken over the park.
Despite its proximity to luxury hotels, the park has become dangerous to visit, they claim. They also have to keep children away.
Residents claimed that the addicts have recently been targeting pupils from surrounding schools by giving them drugs such as whoonga and dagga.
One resident who was recently a victim of a mugging at the park, Rose-helene Williams, who lives in an apartment in the area, said she was robbed while walking home from a local shop. The criminals came from the park, she said.
“They took my gold earrings, it was very traumatic. We are no longer safe,” she said.
Williams said the earrings had sentimental value to her.
Sizwe Ndlovu, who worked at a nearby hotel, said the park was a favourite spot for locals and workers in the area, but also said it was now becoming dangerous.
“I have been hanging out here during my free time from work for a few years now and I normally take short naps.
“But now I can’t do that any more because when I wake up I find that some of my belongings have been stolen,” said Ndlovu.
The Metro Police, South Beach UIP, security and members of the Community Policing Forum raided the park late last week.
During the operation they found drugs hidden in the trees, while other drugs were found on the dealers. Chairperson of the UIP security Raz Ali said they were concerned about homeless people living in the park because of an increase in the number of muggings in the area.
“We continuously hear about tenants getting mugged in this park, but it must come to an end.
“The park has become a no-go zone and, while it should be a haven for the community it is rather a disturbing place no parent would want their child exposed to.
“Vagrancy has been a problem for many years in North Beach, but in recent weeks we have seen an influx of people taking over this park,” Ali said.
But UIP security encouraged residents to reclaim the space.
“I still walk through the park sometimes, because it connects me to the main road from my home,” said Ali.