Squatters move in

People making use of Christiaan de Wet Road in Roodepoort have probably noticed the homeless people who recently moved in under a tree close to the Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital.

They make fires on an almost daily basis. Upon investigation at about 10.30am, the indigents already appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. There is also litter, including broken glass and other rubbish strewn around the place.

Spokesperson for Metro police, Edna Mamonyane noted the problem and said officers would be sent to the area to have it checked out. She added that homeless people were a really big problem because when Metro police clean up an area where they squat, they just move to another area. “We urge residents to not give blankets or food to the vagrants as this keeps them there.”

Mamonyane added that Metro police encourage the indigents to go to homeless shelters, but they do not want to go there as then they have to abide by the rules of the shelter. “They can have a roof over their heads and receive food, but absolutely no alcohol is allowed and some of these people just want to drink all the time,” concluded Mamonyane.

Details: Metro police 011 375 5911.

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