A groundbreaking proposal to construct the world’s first bulletproof park in Mitchells Plain has garnered attention and support amid rising concerns about gun violence affecting children.
Gun Free SA, an NGO committed to reducing firearm-related deaths, has put forward plans for the creation of a safe and secure playground area in Mitchells Plain enclosed entirely by bulletproof glass.
This project aims to provide children with a protected space to play, shielded from the threat of stray bullets in the area plagued by gang activities.
The proposed Bulletproof Park responds to the grim statistics of firearm-related fatalities in South Africa, with over 11 300 firearm-related deaths recorded in one year, a significant portion of which involved gang violence, claiming the lives of young children caught in the crossfire.
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Designed by specialists, the park will feature standard playground amenities like slides and monkey bars within a secure environment enhanced by state-of-the-art security measures.
This includes secure entrances, panic buttons and surveillance systems to offer parents and guardians peace of mind while children enjoy outdoor activities.
Community leaders and safety advocates, such as Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs and Norman Jantjes of the Mitchells Plain CPF, have expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging the urgent need for safe spaces amid escalating crime rates.
The proposed location for the Bulletproof Park is Beacon Valley, an area that has tragically witnessed numerous child casualties due to crossfire incidents.
The cost of building and maintaining the park will come from community contributions and fundraising efforts.
Gun Free SA acknowledges the park’s limitations in protecting children outside its confines. To address broader gun violence issues, the NGO advocates for stricter gun control laws and enhanced measures to combat illegal firearms circulating in the country.
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Picture: Gun Free SA