GALLERY: Security officials sweep vagrants
STRUBENS VALLEY – The clean up was done at the mountain area from Christiaan de Wet Road to Ribbon Avenue in Little falls.
Copper cables, several broken computers, wallets, household goods and children’s toys were among some of the items that were found by SRT Security Services during a ‘mountain sweep’ on 31 July.
The clean-up was took place in the area from Christiaan de Wet Road, Struben’s Valley, to Ribbon Avenue in Little Falls.
“This was done to determine crime activities, the number of vagrants staying in the area and to establish the stakeholders that should be involved in the vagrants clean up,” said Maggie Bezuidenhout from the company.
She indicated that the clean-up also provided an opportunity to find out if there were criminal activities that required the attention of the Honeydew SAPS who assisted them in several clean ups before.
“We need a community-driven approach. The SAPS, Community Policing Forum and [Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo] should all assist us. SRT Security has no jurisdiction over these vagrants,” concluded Bezuidenhout.
Honeydew Sector 3 Community Policing Forum chairperson Reg Mazibuko said there were more open spaces in the sector that requires attention and monitoring.
“The raid was to sweep through the open spaces to find out if there are any vagrants in the area. A raid will normally be done in conjunction with SAPS,” he explained.
He elaborated that it remained unanswered if vagrants staying in the open space are homeless people or if they chose to leave their homes to stay closer to their work. “We don’t know if they are criminals preying on residential units and domestic workers, and using the open spaces to hide stolen goods,” said Mazibuko.
He added that to ensure vagrants were no longer occupying the open spaces would require the authorities and communities working together on finding solutions.
“The community should be involved in their community’s forums such as CPF and residents’ associations, together with the authorities and private security companies to plan operations,” he concluded.
Details: SRT Security Services 011 053 6281; Honeydew Sector 3 Community Policing Forum chairperson Reg Mazibuko 082 415 8282.
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