A Durban sports ground is becoming a haven for pupils to “make out” after they bunk school and for adults to have sex.
The Asherville Community Policing Forum said the liaisons at the Asherville Sports Ground – in full view of the public – could lead to couples being placed in compromising positions and becoming victims of crimes.
Advocate Kresen Moodley, a member of the CPF, said it was common to see pupils there.
“Some of them bunk school and loiter at the grounds either with their friends or their partners. In some cases this leads to them participating in inappropriate behaviour,” said Moodley.
A resident had recently submitted a photograph to the CPF of a female pupil in uniform in a close encounter with what was believed to be an older man. Another picture showed two pupils in an intimate position.
Moodley said they did not mind pupils at the grounds – after school was over.
“But when their acts lead to inappropriate behaviour, it demeans the children involved, and the area.”
The girl who was with the older man was apparently reported to her school and her parents.
Moodley added that pupils, especially females, could also become vulnerable to “sugar daddies”.
He said the area had also become popular for adults to have sex.
“If you walk on the grounds, you will see used condoms lying on the floor. Sometimes when they (couples) are caught out, they are politely asked to leave. Some have obliged, but others, who were drunk, would cause a commotion,” he said.
“This is a regular feature here. They leave behind their litter (condoms) and this lowers the tone of the recreational area. It also places them at risk of rape, hijackings, robbery and murder. Why expose yourself to this?”
A resident, who declined to be named for fear of victimisation, said: “We have been residents in Asherville for most of our lives, with the sports field bordering our homes. The field is a landmark and boasts the memories of some of the most exciting sporting events.
“It is still used for school sports days, soccer, cricket, social events, fitness training, and has a swing and playground for children,” she said.
“As a predominantly Indian community, it has always been our culture not to be confrontational especially in uncomfortable or awkward situations. In the past few years we have watched our sports field be used as the hideout for truanting scholars. They would consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes, take drugs and indulge in indiscreet sexual behaviour.”
She said this behaviour – either by pupils or adults in the area – must stop.
“We have adults jogging on the grounds, municipal workers on site, and young people using the sports field and swings, who have to witness such behaviour. We also have elderly people and children whose homes overlook the sports field.”
She admitted that teachers and parents might not always be aware of what their children were up to.
Metro police spokesman Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said residents must not feel shy about calling the police.
“If it is a continuous problem, call us or write to us about the times the behaviours is prevalent.”
He said those caught could be arrested and charged with public indecency: “It is an arrestable offence.”