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The Johannesburg City Council has moved to improve security for its residents and visitors by launching a new safety unit to patrol its parks.

A total of 64 metro police officers and park rangers comprise the new unit, which will patrol the public areas and open spaces throughout the South African city.

The task force will be responsible for keeping a lid on vagrancy, littering, public drinking and other illegal activities and ensuring that people spending time in Johannesburg's parks feel safe.

A ceremony was held at Florida Lake Park on 26 March to celebrate the launch of the unit and a special plaque was unveiled.

Firoz Cachalia, Gauteng's council representative for safety and security, who was at the ceremony, said: 'Parks are a critical part of society, where people come and congregate.

'It is important for our open spaces to always be safe.'

South Africa is currently in the process of improving its infrastructure and tourism industry as it prepares for a massive influx of visitors for the 2010 World Cup.

Johannesburg will be one of the cities involved in the event, with matches taking place at Ellis Park.

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