I refer to the article, Vagrants occupying spruit cannot be removed – Metro, published in the Sandton Chronicle, week ending 3 October 2014.
As you are aware, the situation of the vagrants occupying the spruit has simply gotten out of hand and the impression created is that nobody cares and nothing can be done.
Sadly, the tension between the vagrants and residents is growing on a daily basis and my fear is that one of these days it will simply become unbearable for one of the parties.
I also recall the explanation provided by Metro police at the time, which was that they could only remove vagrants if they set up structures in the area or if they left their rubbish in the area.
I would have thought that the erecting of dwellings or shacks would be considered a structure – are there any thoughts on this point?
Finally, do the bylaws consider it acceptable for people to bathe naked in the spruit? I doubt it, yet this is what we and our children have to see every day.
