Exhibitionists a nightmare for beach lovers

Walking on the beach at Umhlanga Lagoon, north of Durban, is becoming a nightmare for some beachgoers because of "lewd activities".

Walkers, including families, have been outraged by a group of men who have been seen "fondling and touching themselves" on the beach.

"I was shocked when men showed up from the dunes and started touching themselves in a compromising fashion. I tried to make my children look away but [it was too late] . It's disgusting," a beachgoer said yesterday.

A walker said she was on a morning stroll when suddenly a naked man showed up.

"I could not believe my eyes . It's unthinkable and despicable."

City councillor Heinz de Boer said Umhlanga Lagoon has been an "unofficial nudist beach" for 10 to 15 years.

"But there has been a bad element [lately]. A group of about 10 men exposing themselves . fondling and playing with their bodies," De Boer said.

"Previous attempts to have these people arrested proved to be a challenge because by the time police arrived they had put on their clothes," he said.

The eThekwini municipality's head of parks and recreation, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, said the city was working hard to catch the nudists.

"In Durban, we do not have nude beaches.

"These people made a nudism request but it was not granted. So they are breaking the city bylaws," Ngcobo said.