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Over recent months, the Paradise C Sports Grounds transformed from a health and sports conscious environment becoming a haven for petty criminals, drug users, and squatters. The place took on a life of its own, with an entrepreneurial person even charging R80 a night for people to sleep there.
Additionally, criminals stole a large section of the sports ground’s perimeter fence. This, combined with the above, led to pedestrian safety becoming a cause for concern.
Elaborating on the matter, Mark Jacobs of Ressec Security explains, “Residents and domestic workers who walk past the Paradise C Grounds often get robbed, with the perpetrators hiding at the grounds. Also, stolen goods from other crimes have also been found on the ground’s premises.”
These stolen goods are often linked to crimes such as residential and business burglaries.
Adding to this, Jacobs explains that drug usage takes place regularly on the grounds, with users leaving their drug paraphernalia behind. “Needles are often found in the grass, which is a health risk, as people play soccer on the grounds and they often bring their children with, who run barefoot on the grass.”
According to Jacobs, the said drug users also play a role in crime, stealing and robbing to support their habits.
Then there is the third issue, that of squatters living illegally on the sports grounds. Jacobs highlights that it was discovered that a woman was hiring out the facilities to squatters. “She charges people R80 a night to sleep at the grounds, which is not allowed at all, and it also attracts all kinds of people who could potentially contribute to the crime in Paradise.”
Due to the deteriorating state of the sports grounds, Jacobs explains that both the Ward Councillor and Newcastle Municipality were approached to address the matter.
However, residents’ pleas have gone unanswered. Therefore the Newcastillian – Online News approached the Newcastle Municipality’s Acting Municipal Manager, Zamani Mcineka, for answers.
Mcineka admitted that while he was not initially aware of the issues, it would not be left unattended. “I will definitely look into it and contact the relevant departments to address the concerns.”
Holding true to his word, on Friday, 1 April 2022, members of the Municipality’s Protection Services went out to the scene to start removing the squatters.
The Newcastle Municipality has also put new security guards on duty at the facility and will start repairing the perimeter fencing as soon as possible.
As the issues stemming from the Paradise C Sports Grounds are now being addressed, what are your thoughts?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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2 Responses
Hi, that’s good news from our council. The drug dealers need to be dealt with as well. The house in Sutherland Street near the taxi rank needs to also be addressed as it is not suitable for human settlement.
Thanks for your assistance and understanding.
Similar situation with Suryaville Swimming Pool. Pool hasn’t been operational for many years , yet there are 24hr guards there anf part of the building is rented out.