Mayhem at Zoo Lake

2003-11-02 21:58

Jo-Ann Floris

Johannesburg - An investigation is to be launched to find out who was responsible for about 5 000 children and teenagers arriving without permission or supervision at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg to celebrate National Children's Day on Saturday.

This is the second year running that young people caused havoc at the lake.

In 2002, two girls were raped and police reinforcements had to be called in after about 6 000 children arrived at Zoo Lake uninvited.

Children's Day celebrations at the lake were stopped after two children drowned in 2001. At the end of the festivities on that day, police were left with about 800 children who had been left behind.

Police had to intervene again on Saturday and about 40 youths were arrested for drinking in public and disturbing the peace.

Panyaza Lesufi, spokesperson for the department of social services, said it could not be a coincidence that thousands of children arrive at one place on a single day.

"We have to find out who is behind this and they will have to account for their actions", he said.

Lesufi said police would assist the department with the intensive investigation.

- Beeld