Vagrant says he is no threat to residents

RESIDENTS in La Lucia have raised concerns over a vagrant living in the bushes on the corner of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Addison Drive. Two residents contacted the Northglen News saying they were scared of more vagrants using a vacant piece of land to live in. One of the residents, who did not want to be named said she was at her wit’s end trying to get the City to take action.

“I’m worried that more vagrants will move in. The bush is littered with rubbish and there is a huge pile of glass bottles left in them. This vagrant is aggressive and often relieves himself in the open. The situation is made more untenable by the fact that no one wants to do anything about him. I’ve contacted the Metro Police to report him but no action has been taken. He has also taken refuge in peoples’ driveways when it rains,” she said.

A second resident said they were afraid the area would become a dumping ground for more rubbish.

“I’ve seen two people in the bushes and the place is quickly becoming a dump. We pay exorbitant rates and get no joy from the City. This cannot keep going, I’m fearful for my safety,” the resident said.

However, the vagrant, Siphiwe Mdunge says he is no threat to anyone. Mdugne, who was born in Greytown, lived in uMlazi and said circumstances led to him being homeless.

“I recall one occasion encroaching on someone else’s property and I was asked to move on which I duly did. I find the claims absolutely ridiculous, I can get aggressive but that’s only if you are aggressive to me. But the assumption that I will harm someone is absurd. I am one vagrant, I’m not a threat. I have nowhere else to go and I feel people don’t understand my situation. I mind my own business and I’m offended by the allegations. I really don’t bother people,” Mdunge said.