Community concerns prompt JMPD action in Melville

In a proactive response to community concerns, the JMPD conducted a sweep in Melville, successfully removing four displaced individuals.

2 hours ago

Waydon Jacobs 2 minutes read

A displaced individual sleeping behind the Shell Garage.

In response to community concerns regarding displaced individuals, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) conducted a second sweep of the Melville area last night [August 22].

JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla reported that officers visited three key locations located on the Main road in Melville: Bismillah restaurant, the Shell Garage, and between 5th and 8th street. During the operation, no fires were discovered; however, four displaced individuals were identified behind the Shell Garage.

All of them were successfully removed from the area, addressing immediate community concerns.
Fihla stated that to prevent their return, it is recommended that the Department of Social Development (GDSD) needs to assist them in finding more permanent residence.

Teddy Gomba, spokesperson of the GDSD, emphasised the importance of addressing the underlying needs of the displaced individuals.

“It is crucial that we assist them in overcoming the challenges they face,” Gomba stated. Currently, the GDSD oversees 24 shelters, which, while significant, does not encompass all shelters operating within the province.

The displaced individuals that were residing behind Shell Garage were removed by JMPD.

He stated that the department ensures ongoing funding to these facilities, supporting their essential work in providing services to the homeless. The department collaborates with other departments, as well as with various non-profit organisations (NPOs) to implement a range of vital programs.

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“These include partnerships with the Departments of Health, Sports, Arts and Culture, Home Affairs, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Shelters offer comprehensive services, including psychosocial support, reunification services, substance abuse rehabilitation, health screenings, counseling, life skills programs, and referrals to development programs.”

Each shelter operates under municipal health permits which restrict capacity based on bed occupancy limits.

Gomba used the example of Wembley Shelter in Turffontein, which secured funding to procure two additional park homes, increasing its capacity by 30 beds.

However extreme weather poses additional challenges, as municipal by-laws limit bed capacity. “We are actively engaging with individuals living on the streets through regular visits to homeless hotspots, profiling individuals, and linking them with available resources, including shelter admissions.”

He mentioned that their services also include mobile wash buses, fresh clothing distribution, and the winter warmer drive, which provides hot meals and blankets while assessing homeless beneficiaries for shelter placement.

With the cold season upon us, the shelters have reported an increased need for blankets, as well as the need for training to address mental health issues faced by beneficiaries.

Emergency services are robust, featuring daily health screenings conducted by professional nurses in close collaboration with local health clinics for referrals and mental institution placements.

Gomba concluded that looking ahead the government plans to establish a state-run shelter, and enhance skills development programs to ensure long-term self-sustainability for homeless beneficiaries. “The Gauteng Province is committed to addressing homelessness, with shelters located across all five regions: Johannesburg, Tshwane, West Rand, Ekurhuleni, and Sedibeng.”