By Johnathan Paoli
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said on Thursday it will revise security deployments at selected public spaces, reducing its reliance on private security firms and strengthening internal capacity through public-sector partnerships.
In a statement, JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley said the changes followed a strategic review of the entity’s security deployment model and related financial plan.
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She said the revised approach would also affect cemeteries and facilities across Johannesburg.
Under the new model, JCPZ will increase the use of insourced security personnel, supported by closer coordination with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service.
“These entities will collectively assume greater responsibility for randomised patrols across public facilities, with the objective of enhancing visible policing, discouraging criminal activity, and promoting compliance with applicable by-laws,” Moodley said.
“JCPZ’s Park Rangers have developed an operational deployment plan that prioritises monitoring of flagship nature reserves and key environmental assets, while also ensuring the ability to respond swiftly to by-law transgressions and environmental offences,” she added.
Security adjustments will be implemented at key sites such as Westpark Cemetery.
Moodley said the number of private security personnel at the facility will be reduced through a phased process.
“This decision takes into consideration the strong operational partnership with JMPD during peak burial hours, which has enhanced visibility and law enforcement support during high-activity periods. Any potential gaps arising from the phased reduction will be absorbed by JCPZ’s internal security contingent to ensure continuity of safety and security services at the facility,” she said.
Moodley said that JCPZ remains committed to maintaining safe public spaces and urged resident associations and private security companies to support patrol efforts.
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“Where possible, these companies are encouraged to consider using parks as base sites or to include public open spaces in their random patrol routes, thereby contributing to increased visibility and deterrence.”
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report criminal activity or by-law violations to JMPD.
The revised strategy comes amid ongoing public scrutiny and operational challenges around security at JCPZ-managed facilities, particularly high-risk sites such as Westpark Cemetery.
Last week, JCPZ reassured the public following reports of shootings, robberies and hijackings in and around the cemetery, that safety at the cemetery remains a priority.
At the time, Moodley outlined a layered security approach that included stationed guards at entrances, scheduled ranger patrols, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, particularly over weekends.
Surveillance measures, including CCTV monitoring at key operational points, were also in place, with further technological upgrades under consideration.
However, Moodley noted the limitations imposed by the scale of the entity’s responsibilities.
JCPZ manages more than 2,100 public spaces across Johannesburg, including parks, cemeteries, nature reserves and recreational facilities, making constant security coverage across all sites impractical.
Moodley said that through coordinated partnerships between municipal entities, community stakeholders and private security providers, JCPZ aims to sustain safe, welcoming and well-managed recreational spaces and cemeteries, while ensuring the responsible and efficient use of public resources.