WITH no homeless shelters available in Richards Bay, scores of vagrants have found refuge in abandoned and half-built houses in the city – at the expense of law-abiding neighbours.
Reports of criminal activities are increasing in the affected areas while surrounding properties are believed to be devaluing says Meerensee Community Police Forum (CPF) member, Corrie Pretorius.
‘It is really concerning that as a community, we have no shelter or facility for the homeless.
‘We have the existing problem and have discussed it with council to address the issue of abandoned houses used as homes by criminals and the homeless.
‘In as much as we do have compassion for the needs of the homeless, we are inundated with complaints.
‘One in particular is a broken-down house in Krewelkring, which has become a vile, dirty dwelling filled with human faeces and filth,’ said Pretorius.
‘We managed to get about eight individuals who lived there to move, only to find the same people ‘house sitting’ a nearby home in Nondi Leap.
‘A week ago, domestic violence and a serious assault took place there.
‘It seems, by testimony from some of the people who have stayed overnight there, that the ‘main house sitter’ is renting out rooms.
‘With this ‘rent-a-room’ set-up, criminal elements now occupy this dwelling from time to time.
‘It has become problematic and the CPF is being burdened with neighbours’ complaints.’
Police are also finding themselves between a rock and a hard place.
‘All we can do is continue to search the premises,’ said Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Capt Debbie Ferreira.
‘We cannot evict them. Only the homeowner can get an eviction order from the High Court.’
It is believed the owner of the Krewelkring home is currently overseas and owners of the Nondi Leap home are living in Kenya.
uMhlathuze Municipality’s Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said they recognise the only available shelter in eSikahleni is not enough.
‘With the weather conditions, shelters might be needed to also assist people experiencing flooding in their homes.
‘We strongly discourage the invading of empty houses by anyone, even if it is not homeless persons.
‘Private properties remain private even if there is no one inside.
‘We appeal to homeowners not to leave their homes unattended for long periods of time since this can attract criminal elements.’
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