The destruction of several protected indigenous trees and escalating reports of antisocial behaviour at Stella Street Park, near a high school in Somerset West, has sparked a high-level investigation involving the police and provincial environmental departments.
Residents of Stella Street and a nearby homeowners’ association (HOA) have raised the alarm over a group of teenagers allegedly responsible for environmental damage, public nuisance and the intimidation of local community members.
According to Ward 15 councillor Gregory Peck, the situation reached breaking point just before Christmas when nine yellowwood trees were discovered chopped down in the Stella Street Park. Several other trees were found damaged.
“The trees were approximately 120 mm in diameter,” Peck confirmed. “An axe was discovered at the scene. We immediately engaged with the relevant City of Cape Town departments, CapeNature and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to address this breach of environmental law.”
Yellowwood trees are a protected species in South Africa. Peck warned that anyone found guilty of cutting down or damaging these trees could face a heavy fine or, in serious instances, even prison time.
A formal criminal case has been opened with Somerset West police. “We can confirm a case is currently being investigated in relation to the incident at Stella forest,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Susan Jantjies. “The investigation falls under the National Forest Act 1998.”
While the environmental damage is a primary concern, residents say it is part of a broader pattern of lawlessness. A homeowner submitted a formal complaint detailing a “growing public-safety concern”.
The resident reported that a group of teenage boys frequenting the bike trails has been observed laying in the roadway, obstructing traffic with bicycles and racing off-road motorbikes and electric bikes through residential streets.
“The behaviour has escalated. Fires have been lit on two separate occasions within two weeks, posing a serious hazard to surrounding homes. Residents, including women, have been sworn at and intimidated when asking the group to follow traffic rules,” the resident said.
The road surface has apparently also been defaced with graffiti and littering has become a persistent issue in the forest.
Following a meeting between DFFE officials, police, City Parks and the local community, Peck noted that while the criminal case remained open the focus is shifting towards awareness.
“Awareness is more important now than just catching a perpetrator,” he said. “We will be approaching local schools to educate learners on the importance of our indigenous trees. We want to use this unfortunate situation as an educational tool.”
To assist in the investigation Blue Line Animal Media (NPC) has stepped forward to offer a R1 000 reward for any information that leads to the successful prosecution of those responsible for cutting down the Stella Street Park yellowwoods.
Residents have called for more law enforcement patrols, particularly on Sunday afternoons, to deter further vandalism and ensure the safety of residents.
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