Why you shouldn’t give money to street children or the homeless
Rather donate to one of the organisations which looks after the destitute.
Street children and the homeless weaving in between vehicles at the various traffic lights in Port Shepstone is not only a common sight but is also dangerous.
Attempts by police and law enforcement officials to keep beggars off the streets for their own safety as well as the safety of other road users, is thwarted by motorists who persist on giving them money, despite repeated requests from the police for them to stop this practise.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Teen beggar trashes cars
Police spokesman, Captain Vincent Pandaram, said this contributes to road accidents and an increase in the cases of theft, with handbags, cellphones and other valuables being snatched from unsuspecting motorists.
“Police once again urge motorists to refrain from supporting people who beg at traffic lights and street corners to discourage them from entering the roadway and endangering themselves and other road users,” he said.
He also called on shoppers not to support bogus car guards and homeless people in the Port Shepstone CBD and business centres but to rather direct their acts of charity to rehabilitation centres and the homes and shelters that look after the homeless and destitute.
“By continuing to hand them our loose change, we are encouraging them to, in most cases, continue to abuse liquor and drugs and live in unhygienic conditions in the streets, on the beaches and even in the bushes.”
Captain Pandram said that if one genuinely cared for the safety and well-being of these destitute people, one would support and strengthen the organisations that offer them hygienic living conditions, food and an opportunity to be reintegrated into society with a sense of self-worth.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
