The Princess Vlei Forum (PVF) is partnering with the City of Cape Town to explore the installation of CCTV cameras in Princess Vlei after one of the footbridges was vandalised just weeks after the facility opened to the public.

The Forum expressed deep disappointment over the incident, describing it as an attack on a community asset that has already become a popular destination for thousands of residents.

Since opening, the 4.23km trail has provided residents with a safe, scenic space to walk, exercise and connect with nature.

Security plans

According to PVF chair Bridget Pitt, the theft of the wooden bridge slats was not simply an act of vandalism but a loss for the entire community.

“This is an act of theft and destruction against the community,” she said.

“Those who did this are stealing from the people of Grassy Park, Lotus River, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Elfindale and beyond. Someone must know who did this — it was not a simple operation. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”

The vandalism occurred only three weeks after the official opening of the R10.2 million development, which includes boardwalks, bridges, seating areas, restored fynbos and upgraded public facilities.

City rangers reportedly interrupted suspects removing wooden slats from one of the bridges on 30 June, causing them to flee and abandon the stolen timber.

Additional inspections later revealed damaged signs and a defaced information board.

To prevent further incidents, the Princess Vlei Forum is in discussions with the City on a range of additional security measures.

These include working more closely with Community Policing Forums and neighbourhood watches, improving existing security systems and exploring the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations throughout the park.

Community support

“The City provides Quemic rangers who patrol the site 24/7, but rangers can’t be present everywhere all the time. Community support with security is vital as well. We need all community members to get involved in helping us to protect this valuable community asset – an asset worth much in monetary terms but worth far more in what it brings to every child, elderly person, youth or adult (and their dogs) who walk this trail,” she said.

Quemic (a South African risk solutions organisation) rangers are specialised field and conservation professionals and combine active law enforcement, anti-poaching, and ecological monitoring across high-risk environments in Africa.

Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate said the City has already increased patrols, involved law enforcement and is engaging security agencies to strengthen protection of the park.

“I have already had conversations with the officials and I’m going to be convening a meeting with the neighbourhood watches in the area together with all other security agencies in the city to see what we can do to beef up the security,” he said.

Funding for CCTV cameras is also being explored.

Trail protection

“I am also currently looking at the ward allocation budget to see whether we can install CCTV cameras there. I’m going to have a discussion around that as part of the meeting that I’m having with the safety and security officials of the City just to look at how that can be accommodated,” he said.

The Princess Vlei Forum said the incident should not overshadow the success of the project or discourage future investment in public green spaces.

“We believe that Princess Vlei, and the surrounding communities, are worth this investment. It is even more important to create these spaces for communities who do not have easy access to other natural spaces in Cape Town. We call on all community members to support efforts to protect this trail, and to prove the critics wrong,” Pitt said.

Residents with information about the vandalism or any other criminal or by-law offences are encouraged to contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 or report anonymously to 0800 110077, available 24 hours a day.

People’s Post reached out to the City for further comment but they could not respond before publication.

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