Residents of Hanover Park have voiced support for a proposed community-driven “6pm curfew” aimed at reducing stone-throwing incidents and improving safety in the area.
The proposal, championed by Dereleen James, comes amid ongoing concerns about public disorder and the safety of both residents and motorists during evening hours.
While some community members believe the initiative could help curb anti-social behaviour, others argue that a curfew alone will not address the root causes of the problem.
Speaking to VOC News, community activist Yaseen Johaar said deeper social challenges, including school dropouts, absenteeism and gangsterism, need urgent attention.
“In Hanover Park alone, the underlying issues are the issues resulting in the stone throwing. Hanover Park has more than 500 school dropouts. Hanover Park has schools with absenteeism rates of more than 15%. Obviously, there’s going to be this influx of teens at home, whether they’re bunking school or have dropped out,” he said.
Johaar added that restrictions should be focused on criminal elements rather than ordinary residents.
“If there is really a curfew that needs to be put on the community, then it should be put on the gangsters and it should be put on the drug merchants in the community, not the people,” he said.
The debate around the proposed curfew continues as residents, community leaders and policymakers explore ways to improve safety and tackle the social challenges contributing to youth violence and unrest in the area.
Listen to the full interview below.
VOC News
Photo: Pexels
