A squatter camp that has mushroomed on the corner of Reddy Avenue and East Road, in Grassy Park, is blighting the area and hurting business, say residents.
The squatters use drugs openly in public and fight among themselves while condoms and needles litter the street, says a local business owner who declined to be named.
“We as businesses are trying to make a living, but the vagrants are chasing our clients away because it looks and smells horrible. It started out as just a couple of people but has now become a major issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because of the unsavoury characters roaming around at all hours of the day and night which is bad for business.”
Natalie van Dieman, of Reddy Avenue, said she avoided the area as she feared being mugged.
“We can’t walk to the shops like we used to, and our children can’t play in the park that was built for them because of the people who are living there. It’s filthy, stinks and is getting out of control, but it seems it’s a never-ending issue because when Law Enforcement clears the area, the vagrants return immediately after they leave,” she said.
Commenting on Facebook, Khursheed Khan, who lives opposite the post office, said vagrancy had increased in the area following the eviction of squatters in 5th Avenue at the taxi rank last year.
“Now they’re all here with their drug-infested tents, with alcohol-induced domestic disputes, gang-related violence and utter disrespect they show to those around them with public indecency and foul language.”
Mr Khan said he couldn’t sleep because of the noise.
“It’s sad to see that gangsters, druggies and vagrants have become our problem to deal with.”
Roberto Cavali said it was senseless to evict the squatters from opposite the library only to have them move across the road.
Ward councillor Donavan Nelson said the City had served notices on all the squatters in Reddy Avenue and East Road, giving them until December 2024 to move. Their failure to comply meant the City would now approach the courts for an eviction order.
“The necessary court documents have been prepared, and a petition has been drafted to ask residents to detail how this issue has impacted them, which will be supporting comments in the case, and once a court date is confirmed, City attorneys will present the case for eviction.”
The law laid out strict conditions when dealing with street people, he said, adding that the City had to show it had done everything possible to help them.
“While this process can be frustrating, it is guided by the principle that all individuals have rights and must be treated with dignity. Additionally, as part of any eviction application, the City is required to provide adequate alternative accommodation,” said Mr Nelson.
“This is a complex and costly process, with expenses ultimately borne by ratepayers. In the meantime, we are legally prohibited from removing any personal belongings from the site. Law Enforcement can only conduct search and seizure operations but cannot forcibly remove individuals. Such actions would be deemed unlawful.”
At a meeting with Law Enforcement, Metro Police, SAPS and the community police forum, business owners had complained about the impact of the vagrancy on their businesses while the City had outlined its efforts to address the issue, said Mr Nelson.
“I’m encouraged by the determination of our business owners and safety partners. The meeting was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action. I understand the community is fed up with talk – they want results. And that’s exactly what we’re committed to delivering.”
