Raids at Alberts Farm

Alberts Farm is a 74-hectare ecological oasis within the city that must be protected and enjoyed by residents. It is home to a vast array of wildlife and flora that thrive in the unspoilt grasslands and rocky ridges.

The Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy (FOAFC) chair Colleen Rood said they have been working with City Parks and the broader community since 1996 to ‘maintain its pristine natural state as a valued green lung of Johannesburg.

She adds, “The park has no facilities which have led to the homeless using the park for food, water, sanitation, washing, cooking and shelter. These activities have led to a loss of indigenous plants and animals and have encouraged alien invasive and weed growth. Criminal elements have taken advantage of the park by burning cables and petty theft. Substance abuse has also been a problem.”

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The destruction of and removal of possessions of 30 homeless individuals living at the park recently was an unlawful act as they are protected by legal documents obtained through a high court ruling. Kelly, of Kelly Kropman Attorneys who represent the group pro-bono said, “These are often our city’s most vulnerable and the city, SAPS and JMPD are not complying with the rule of law and are victimising vulnerable people. The people of Alberts Farm are human beings, and we can’t only deal with the rights of the wealthy. I would like my rights respected, even if I was poor.”

Roxanne Saunders (33) and André Jobert (27) stay together at Alberts Farm. Saunders says they lost their jobs when Covid-19 hit and became homeless. The few belongings they had accumulated were destroyed by the authorities. “They even took our food. Why don’t people want to help us, why do they want to destroy us?”

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Shepard Nkomazana (38) came to the City of Gold from KwaZulu-Natal looking for better opportunities and did not realise how hard it would be. “I never thought I’d be in this position but here I am. I am not a bad man.”

A spokesperson for JMPD Xolani Fihla said of the raid, “The matter is under review by the city’s legal department and as such, we cannot comment at present while we await deliberation.”
Sophiatown police were present ‘in an observation role while the operation was carried out by JMPD and metro police,’ said spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn.

This all means that for Alberts Farm at least, the identified homeless that are working with JHN are going nowhere. A sustainable and palatable solution must be found that works for all interested parties.

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