Lizaan from George writes:
I would like to highlight an incident that occurred at the George Dam this morning at about 07:20 [Sunday 28 September].
I frequently go walking at the dam and enjoy the many Hillbillies walk trails. I discovered the Great Escape Walk Trail I had walked every day for the last two weeks. The trail starts just before the boom - called The Boom Trail, which joins up with the Great Escape.
It's a very narrow pathway that's very winding, with body-length shrubs alongside. So visibility is not great. I have encountered other walkers from time to time making their way towards the dam. This morning I encountered a clearly rucked up homeless person who was most probably in his early 50s. This made me feel very vulnerable and quite frankly freaked out. I imagined I heard loud crackling sounds, but thought it was the birds being active early morning.
Looking back, I think it was him coming out of the shrubs/bushes. I ran away and made my way to one of the service roads that took me to the main dam road that led me back to the boom. I tried to explain the situation to the lady security who did not understand me at first, but could clearly see that I was upset.
She seemed confused as how to respond and tried to make a few phone calls, with no success. I asked her to give me the number so I can talk to her supervisor, when she did not know the dialling code for George is 044.
I eventually got hold of him and reported the incident. I tried to explain that sending a van to patrol will be no good as there is camping taking place in the bushes away from the service roads.
Anyways, I think the public should just be aware although it's weekend and there is lots of activity at the dam, to rather avoid these trails that are off the beaten track until there is better measures put in place. I understand it's difficult to control as there is many accesses to the dam.
Lee-Anne Meiring, Senior Manager: Community Safety, George Municipality, responds:
The municipality sincerely acknowledges the concern raised by the resident regarding the recent incident at the George Dam.
We understand that this experience must have been unsettling, and we appreciate the matter being brought to our attention. Our security section will engage with the contracted security company to obtain full details of the incident and to assess any gaps in the current patrol and response arrangements.
While the terrain and multiple access points around the dam make full control of entry difficult, the municipality continuously reviews security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors. We would like to ask members of the public to remain careful, use designated trails and report any suspicious activity immediately to the security staff on-site or the Municipal Law Enforcement Office on 044 801 6350/89.
The municipality values the public's feedback and remains committed to making the George Dam a safe and enjoyable space for all users.
