Vandals have struck at the brand-new Princess Vlei Walking trail in Retreat, causing substantial damage to one of the bridges.

According to the City a group of suspects removed wooden slats from one of the footbridges along the 4,23 km circulatory trail in the early hours of Monday, 30 June. City rangers caught the suspects in the act, but they fled the scene, leaving the wood behind.

“It is deeply disappointing that infrastructure at Princess Vlei has been targeted just three weeks after this community facility was opened. Our Recreation and Parks Department is doing what it can, within available resources, to maintain a security presence on site.

“But Princess Vlei is an open space and the trail is several kilometres long, so community vigilance is essential,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.

It has also since emerged that multiple signs have been damaged, and at least one of the sign boards have been defaced.

The City has invested R10,2 million in the circulatory trail and is working in partnership with the Princess Vlei Forum and local communities.

“We strongly condemn such destruction and disregard for the collective efforts to ensure universal access to community facilities. The responsibility rests with each and every one of us to guard community assets for the enjoyment of all,” added Councillor Higham.

Residents can share any information about these or other acts of vandalism with the City’s Public Emergency Community Centre on 021 480 7700 or report crime and by-law offences anonymously, 24-hours a day, on 0800 110077.