Some residents of Nautilus Village, situated near Gordon’s Bay Mall, are expressing concerns about the use of the public neighbourhood park.
This follows issues of the alleged intimidation of children, unauthorised surveillance and restrictions on park access.
“There have been instances where people feel intimidated or unwelcome in the park, children sworn at and dogs unleashed on people to get them out of the park,” a concerned resident claimed. “This is concerning as the park should be a place for everyone to enjoy.”
Residents report feeling pressured to leave the park, with some individuals allegedly enforcing their own rules and regulations. Concerns have been raised about individuals recording public activity without consent, posting it on a community WhatsApp group and making false allegations, accusing children of using drugs.
Allegations of misinformation and the suggestion of the formation of unauthorised “security groups” to remove park users have contributed to tensions within the community.
These concerns have led to a decline in park usage, with some residents avoiding the area altogether and others alleging the issues are racially motivated.
An advocate visiting from Johannesburg over the December holidays also alleges that she experienced discrimination.
“While visiting the communal pond/park with my 11-year-old son and 13-year-old nephew, we were subjected to behaviour that I regard as discriminatory and exclusionary at the hands of a resident of Nautilus Village,” she related.
“This resident deliberately opened her gate to release two large Rottweillers and proceeded to question the children about their presence in the park. The manner of this engagement left us feeling unwelcome and unfairly profiled as undesirable elements within the community.
“More importantly, my concerns extend beyond my personal experience. I fear that less privileged members of the community, who may not have the platform or resources to raise their voices, could face similar or even worse treatment without recourse.”
Residents are calling for an investigation into these allegations and for the City of Cape Town to take action to ensure the safety and equal access of all residents to public spaces.
Chris Pretorius, chairperson of Nautilus Village Homeowners’ Association, said he was unaware of any homeowner intimidating members of the public using the park.
“There have been incidents where dogs, accompanied by children, have attacked ducks at the pond and community members stepped in,” he explained.
“But I am not aware of incidents of intimidation and swearing at children or members of the public, and chasing them away. The park is a public facility and no-one has the right to chase anyone away.”
Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, said Nautilus Village Park is a public open space managed by the City, hence municipal rules apply.
She confirmed an alternate signboard without the City logo is invalid and has been removed from the park.
“Under no circumstances may individuals chase anyone away from a public park or claim it is private. If improper behaviour is observed, residents should report it to Law Enforcement or use the contact details provided on the official City signboard,” Van der Ross pointed out.
“Intimidation is a crime and should be reported to the police. The City’s public open spaces are accessible to all members of the public. Every individual, regardless of their demographic or socio-economic status, has the right to enjoy these spaces. The City is dedicated to creating inclusive, safe and welcoming environments where all residents can benefit from recreational and social opportunities.”
