The number of vagrants and recyclers living in the veld surrounding the Sebenza Police Station and cemetery have Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart and residents concerned.
Hidden among dense vegetation, it is believed there are three sites where either vagrants or recyclers have established places to live.
Hart, who has received several complaints about the individuals, informed the NEWS they access the veld through openings along the concrete palisade wall along Baker Road. Although the issue is ongoing, correspondence between Hart and the City of Ekurhuleni and Sebenza CPF shows the city responds to Hart’s alerts of the issue.
ALSO READ:
Portions of Sebenza still an eye sore
Isandovale resident Craig Techow, who has lived in Edenvale since 1989, said as a property owner he is concerned about the individuals living in the veld for several reasons.
“It’s unsafe for them to be living in the veld. There is no form of sanitation where they live. Additionally, opportunistic criminals could hide among them pretending to be recyclers.”
Although he understands the recyclers and vagrants don’t have many choices when it comes to accommodation, he believes something needs to be done.
“I don’t have anything against recyclers but something must be done.”
While speaking to Techow, the NEWS met Alpheus Mbongeni, a recycler living in the veld along Baker Road. Mbongeni, originally from Germiston, moved to Edenvale four years ago in the hopes of better employment opportunities. He said he turned to recycling cardboard and plastic to support his wife and children. Each month he makes approximately R500 from the items he recycles.
“I am trying to make an honest living. If I didn’t recycle I don’t know what I would be doing.”
Mbongeni said in the time he has lived in Edenvale, he has not been harassed by community members and property owners.
“Maybe once or twice a year police officers come and chase us away. They say the stuff we collect is rubbish so they throw it away. Once they throw away what we collect we have to start again, it can be hard.”
