Western Extension residents are up-in-arms again.
Having fought the battle with drugs, they are now dealing with vagrants, who have illegally taken over the Benoni Swimming Pool, on Kimbolton Street, as their source of shelter.
There are more at the dam wall, as well as behind the Deneys Conradie flats and Old Fountains Park.
The swimming pool is currently being renovated and the work is nearing completion, in time for spring.
Clr Samuel Ngobese, of Ward 73, said he is aware of the complaints and the situation.
“Before the elections the EMPD raided the swimming pool area and it was quiet for two weeks, but now the vagrants have increased in numbers,” he said.
According to EMPD spokesperson Wilfred Kgasago, when the removal of vagrants takes place, the EMPD speaks to the Department of Social Development to take in these people and provide them with shelter, while they try to locate their relatives.
“Once they are removed from where they are not supposed to be, they must go back to where they come from,”he explained.
“In instances where the problem becomes serious and the vagrants happen to be the same person/s, then we bring on board the EMM Social Development Department to attend to them.”
Residents are urged to report vagrants to their local EMPD precinct office, or to call the Control Centre on 011 458 0911.
