Ursula Schenker, Plumstead
In response to Mary Archibald’s letter (“Build a park for kids to play,” Bulletin, September 29), due to receiving similar complaints from “victims”, I fully understand and empathise with her, as it is not so much the need for more parks but that the by-laws protecting the rights of all individuals are enforced.
Having to interact with residents at a senior facility in that neighbourhood, I saw the children playing in the street next to the park with their ball and wondered where the parents were, as their kids are at risk.
I also saw a man standing and urinating against a tree in the park at that time. Another elderly “victim” in the Ottery area told me that even after she enlisted the help of City through the correct channels, nothing has changed, while she and other residents remain traumatised.
In Thornton, a similar issue caused such trauma to a resident and his family after the resident, at his wits’ end, grabbed hold of a teenager, trying to get him to stop and apologise for kicking his ball against the windows of his car and others.
When this hap-pened, boy’s mother laid a charge of assault, and although the case was thrown out by the judge, who is now pursuing a case of perjury against the mother, it still leaves the victims and his family severely traumatised and less eager to report crime, which will impact negatively on the community at large.
Laws are quite superfluous if not enforced. The commu-nities should also be informed about the difference between the SAPS and law enforcement so they are better equipped about the processes to follow when trying to resolve issues, thereby reducing stress and trauma that affects not only on their health but their well-being in general.
Community leaders should also interact with each other to create a synergy and win-win environment to benefit all residents.
