Manenberg pool closed after lifeguard stoning

Residents of Manenberg in Cape Town are unable to use their municipal swimming pool following an attack on lifeguards at the weekend.

The staff were stoned‚ resulting in one lifeguard being injured. It is unclear what prompted the incident.

“This is extremely disappointing. A few weeks ago‚ we also closed the pool after a staff member was attacked by a group of youths who tried to break through the fence‚” councillor Zahid Badroodien said.

Badroodien said the swimming pool had been closed after the incident.

While the situation is expected to be reassessed on Monday‚ she said the lives of workers would not be put at risk.

“We need the community to help us look after the facility and prevent antisocial behaviour so the facility can remain open. This is the second episode of this nature at this pool and any violence at any of our facilities will not be tolerated,” Badroodien said.

“It is a great pity that the actions of a few are putting at risk the rest of the community’s enjoyment of this public facility.”

The incident follows an attack on firefighters in the city at the weekend.

Safety and security executive director Richard Bosman said fire damage was caused to the side entrance of the Gugulethu fire station from a petrol bomb and two window panes in one of the sectional doors had been smashed.

“Damage was limited due to the quick action of the on-duty crew and the city’s law enforcement department.

“We are not sure about the motive for the attack‚ but it is not the first time this has happened,” Bosman said.

“In fact‚ the station just reopened in December after being closed for months to effect repairs from previous protestrelated damage.”