Pesky vagrants stir community outrage
Residents say they have felt harassed by the vagrants who use the facility for shelter. A meeting was recently held with various stakeholders to discuss the situation.
TENSION surrounding the issue of vagrancy has once again escalated in the Durban North area. This after a well-known vagrant, who poses as a car guard on Swapo (Broadway) Road attacked two other car guards almost two weeks ago.
When authorities arrived at the scene to arrest the aggressive and alleged intoxicated culprit he reportedly lunged at the security guard with a rock.
Now residents and businesses in Genashley have also expressed their frustration with the vagrants who frequent Newport Avenue. According to ward councillor Shaun Ryley, residents have particularly raised concerns regarding the Glensahley Post Office. Residents say they have felt harassed by the vagrants who use the facility for shelter. A meeting was recently held with various stakeholders to discuss the situation, said Ryley.
Last year the community was up in arms due to the ever increasing issue with substance abuse and public urination. The vagrants were reportedly congregating at the entrance of municipal building where they would sit and drink alcohol until they became intoxicated.
Similarly businesses and residents on Swapo Road have complained about public drinking and urination as well as verbal abuse from the vagrants when the residents refuse to give them money.
There have also been reports of the vagrants stealing vehicles’ hubcaps on the busy urban road, and female restaurant staff have also been receiving unwanted sexual attention and advances from the ‘car guards’.
“Homelessness is not a crime and nobody can be arrested for simply using a public space. However, the police (both Metro and SAPS) are responsible for maintaining a suitable standard of general public safety – as such, if any person is threatened (verbally or physically) or they experience aggression of any kind this should be reported in the form of a written statement at the police station with a clear identification of the alleged perpetrator.
This would build a case so that appropriate action could be taken. Furthermore, responsibility lies with the Post Office in securing its premises and reporting incidents to the police so that action can be taken,” he said.
The councillor urged residents to refrain from giving money to beggars as it only fuels the problem. “Any donations should be made to welfare organisations who assist these people by taking them off the street and giving them opportunities,” he added.
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