Vagrants live on the edge

Community members recently raised their concerns about the vagrants who were posing a danger to not only themselves, but others as well.

Clr Alison van der Molen, of ward 118, and Mr Modisang Mocumi, an urban inspector, contacted the relevant authorities and organised an operation.

The pair visited the site along with the Cleveland SAPS, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Bad Boyz and Stallion Security, and other officials to remove several shacks built on the embankment.

Clr Van der Molen said she could not believe where the vagrants had constructed their shacks.

“The shacks were built on the banks of the canal feeding towards the Mandeville Sports Club. The shacks were built in a dangerous location and were hardly accessible. We removed the shacks because what the vagrants had done was against the bylaws.

“They were also posing a danger to themselves and everyone else. We found lots of clothes, shoes, toys, wallets, dagga and even a book on handguns,” she said.

Sergeant Marius Boolsen, from the JMPD, said several of the items found at the site were believed to be stolen goods.

“They vagrants were well hidden but we reached the area and removed the shacks. We thank Clr Van der Molen for providing us with protective gear. Quite often we go out to places that are dirty and unhealthy. The Jukskei River is a hazard.

“Clr Van der Molen used money out of her own pocket to buy us protective gear. We are thankful for that,” said Sgt Boolsen.

None of the vagrants were arrested because they fled when they saw the authorities.

Clr Van der Molen thanked everyone involved in the operation.

“Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers cleaned up the area and City Parks removed the mess. I am glad we were all able to work together in this operation,” she said.

At last week’s Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting, Sgt Boolsen said him and his team, allocated to ward 118, constantly visit areas reportedly housing vagrants.

Business owners in Queen Street, Kensington, complained about the vagrants sleeping in front and at the entrance of their shops on numerous occasions.

“We go to the area constantly and chase or remove the vagrants. They continue to make use of the area around these businesses. There was also an incident where vagrants said they were given permission by one of the owners to sleep in front of his business. It was late at night and someone was busy in the shop. I tried to get the person’s attention but to no avail. Maybe it was a worker who agreed to the vagrants sleeping outside the business. However, we will continue to remove the vagrants if they are found in the area,” he said.

Clr Van der Molen said people can visit her Facebook page and look at all the photographs taken of what was found in the shacks.