By Dylan Bettencourt
- Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says fires, loud music, camping and slaughter of animals are taking place inside nature reserves.
- Rangers say rivers are left dirty with plastic, cloths and paper, while groups return soon after being told to leave.
Johannesburg’s nature reserves are being used for religious and cultural rituals that break city rules.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) confirmed the activities include overnight gatherings, fires, loud music, nudity and the slaughtering of animals.
The Citizen reported that buses and taxis drop off large groups over weekends. Ceremonies start before sunrise and continue until late at night.
Rangers say fires are lit in places where they are not allowed, and rivers and banks are left dirty with plastic, cloths and papers.
“JCPZ is aware of concerns about unauthorised activities at Bert Close Nature Reserve, including fire hazards, littering, nudity, noise and the sacrificing of animals,” said JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley.
She said rangers patrol the reserves with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department. But patrols are reactive, and groups often return soon after being asked to leave.
Moodley said the bylaws ban bathing in rivers, making fires outside braai areas and indecent behaviour.
Pictured above: Johannesburg Zoo.
Image source: @JoburgParksZoo
