Squatters live on Rivonia road island
Three squatters were asked to leave the Rivonia Road island opposite Sandown High School in Ward 103 this week. According to ward councillor Vincent Earp, Metro police had to force the squatters off the island every morning.
“It is so dangerous for vagrants to be sleeping on an island. There could be an accident and they could get hurt,” said Earp.
The small group would disappear every morning before peak traffic, leaving behind blankets, rubbish bags and cigarette butts. A resident said she first noticed squatters on the island more than three weeks ago. Thinking it was a group of people passed out after a long night, she realised the following day they were vagrants. She hadn’t seen the squatters for a few days but residue on the grass suggested they were still there.
According to Edna Mamonyane of the Metro police, complaints have been received and they are doing what they can. “The squatters were apparently living behind the Shell Garage on Rivonia Road. Removed by officers, they located to the island.”
“The area’s councillors and community do not want them there, but they are not breaking the law by being homeless,” said Mamonyane.
Shelters are available for the homeless which offer blankets, warm water and food. “They refuse to go and police officials cannot take squatters by force, it must be their own decision,” said Mamonyane.
