Proposal put forward to have world’s first bulletproof park in Mitchell's Plain

A proposal has been put forward by Gun Free South Africa to have the world’s first bulletproof park.

COURTESY: Gun Free SA

Speaking on Bush Radio’s Everyday People Show, Claire Taylor - researcher at Gun Free South Africa – said the idea came about from a number of suggestions as it was grappling with ways in keeping children safe, while they play.

‘’We were concerned by statistics from the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, that over the past 20 years that the majority of children, that are admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds under 12 years of age, were caught in crossfire, and one of the outrageous ideas that we hope to provoke debate is having a bullet proof park for children to play in.’’

The proposed bulletproof park would cover an area of 20 by 20 meters, encased in level 8 bulletproof glass, it has access control, cameras and panic buttons, and would accommodate around 24 children. It would include amenities such as a slide, a jungle gym.

COURTESY: Gun Free SA

Taylor says the idea was if the children were in this space, they would feel safe. She says communities in this space would take ownership and looking to maintain it.

‘’Obviously any building of the park - and should we go ahead with it -  and the cost is about R2 million, then consultation would be needed in community members. Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain has been identified, for example, as it deeply affected by gun violence.’’

COURTESY: Gun Free SA

When asked if she thinks the bulletproof park would be implemented in various communities, Taylor says it would be a costly affair.

‘’I think the problem with the playground is it is expensive and its limited. One park where 24 children can play. It does not protect children who are going to and leaving the park. What it does it raises question with the limitation of the park like this, which will cost about R10 million to build it. Are there any other solutions that we could look at that will allow children to play together in a public park? The idea of this proposal is to hear from communities that do they think it is justifiable to build a park like this.’’

Claire Taylor - researcher at Gun Free South Africa – believes that more conversations need to be held about guns in the country.

‘’I think we need to look at what we as community members need to do about gun violence. Particular now, with elections around the corner, ask the political parties what they think of gun violence and what they have planned to mitigate crimes. There has been little action by political leaders. We have to do something regarding the availability of guns in South Africa.’’

The proposal has received mixed reaction - Many have expressed that the concept of a bulletproof park may not effectively address the root cause of crime; Others say the park is needed as gun violence has gotten out of control in the country.

 

Done By: Mitchum George