Last week, concerned residents and business owners approached the EMPD for assistance following what they believe to be an influx of the homeless in the Kempton Park CBD.
According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, EMPD officers were conducting a by-law enforcement operation on July 5 when around 30 business owners and residents approached officers and raised a few concerns, including the influx of homeless people, unpleasant hygiene, drug abuse and the high rate of crime.
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“Officers assured the concerned citizens that operations with other stakeholders like the departments of home affairs and social development are conducted on intervals and municipal by-laws are enforced daily.
“However, if the homeless are removed on a day, they are back the following day and this is the challenge currently.
“Some shelters are full and can’t accommodate the homeless, making finding shelter one of the major challenges,” said Thepa.
“Because of this challenge, the homeless living conditions cause a health hazard to themselves and the public, with dirty clothes, debris and drug needles littered on the streets.”
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She added that by-laws apply to all residents, including the homeless. “Unlawfulness will not be tolerated.”
