Security beefed up at Lyttelton homeless shelter
It is believed that some of the people housed there were throwing mattresses over the fence and digging holes in an attempt to escape the temporary camp.
Residents in Lyttelton Manor have raised concerns about the lack of compliance with the Covid-19 regulations by the homeless people housed at the sports park there.
It is believed that some of the people were throwing mattresses over the fence and digging holes in an attempt to escape the temporary camp.
“We have received complaints from residents and the main worry was the lack of security and that lockdown regulations are not being policed,” said ward councillor Juan van Buuren.
“Since yesterday new barbed wire fencing was installed to limit uncontrolled leaving.”
Some residents took to social media saying they were also concerned about their safety.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said there were a few security challenges at the camp, but the City has since beefed up security.
“We have erected barbed wire in the inner perimeter and 24 TMPD officers have been deployed to monitor the perimeter,” he said.
Bokaba said the people that were housed there were moved from the Caledonian stadium and were mainly substance users who were struggling with being closed in.
ALSO READ: Centurion residents blindsided after relocation of homeless to sports ground
“It is hard for them because they are used to being in the streets, they are not used to being in a confined space,” he said.
“This is something we have had to do for the very first time, we have never had these circumstances before, and so it’s work in progress.”
He said medical professionals were on site to administer methadone as some were experiencing withdrawal symptoms and were trying to escape as a result.
Ever since security had been beefed up, no other attempts to escape had been made, he said.
The metro made sure the people had three meals a day, clean water and sanitation and access to what was necessary to practise good hygiene and social distancing.
A private security company was also sent to the shelter to assist.
Tshwane’s compliance administrator Lebogang Mahaye said they had received complaints from residents in the area.
“Centurion residents expressed their concern with a number of homeless people loitering in the neighbourhood,” she said.
“While they pose no harm, it’s important that we respond swiftly to ensure that they remain within the boundaries of the shelter.”
Mahaye said head administrator Mpho Nawa visited various homeless shelters in Mabopane, Akasia and Lyttelton on Thursday.
“The intention of the visits was to ensure that all operations are at a satisfactory standard with Covid-19 regulations being adhered to,” she said.
They found that the security complement located at the Lyttelton shelter needed additional support which was provided.
She said ongoing assessment would continue to ensure that necessary interventions were implemented across all the City’s shelters.
We are dealing with a serious problem here, people removing what is meant to protect and care for them. It’s a tough world but we must not lose hope to protect the weak and the homeless. We are going there today to address the situation. @gpgSocDev @Abramjee pic.twitter.com/tfmYmf0xyK
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 12, 2020
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