WATCH: #Lockdown: MMC says vandalism of Benoni Town Hall housing homeless was anticipated
Mmoko also said it is important to remember that the people who are homed in the town hall at the moment are "not used to being stationary for too long"
Perpetrators will be dealt with harshly.
This was the message from the Ekurhuleni metro’s MMC for Community Safety, councillor Phaladi Mmoko, after a visit to the Benoni Town Hall with other officials on April 22.
The visit was prompted by reports that the homeless being housed have caused structural damage to various areas of the town hall, which is a heritage site.
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Around 120 homeless can be accommodated in the town hall, but on April 22 there were 102.
Mmoko conducted an inspection with the EMPD, Department of Social Development and other authorities.
He said network and lighting cables as well as light bulbs have been vandalised.
“The toilet facilities and front door have also suffered damage,” Mmoko added.
“The piano is still fine.”
Mmoko said it is important to remember that the people who are homed in the town hall at the moment are “not used to being stationary for too long”.
“As this is an old building, it is difficult to replace anything that is broken because materials used then are not manufactured today,” he said.
While nothing has been stolen from the town hall, Mmoko said the metro is a victim of its own decisions.
“We do not regret the decision to provide a facility for these people. We anticipated this type of thing happening.
“We are not condoning the actions of those who have vandalised the building, but we are lucky that crimes of a more serious nature have not taken place.”
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Security through the EMPD has since been beefed up to ensure no further damage is done in and around the town hall.
“The EMPD will only enforce the bylaws. We cannot evict these people,” Mmoko said.
“The officers are also there to ensure those at the town hall adhere to lockdown and do not leave unnecessarily or exchange items with those outside the facility.”
