Durban Metro Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu has issued a stern warning to motorists to not give money or food to vagrants at intersections during the festive season.
“Vagrants have been involved in a number of criminal activities which take place at intersections. Some of the criminal activities they have been involved in include smash and grabs and theft out of motor vehicles. They have also been involved in causing accidents at intersections, therefore, we are appealing to communities to please support us in this regard,” said Supt Zungu.
EThekwini Central Cluster CPF chairperson, Imtiaz Syed who has been spearheading the “Don’t Give Campaign”, a campaign that encourages giving responsibly said that the issue of supporting the homeless has been around for many years.
“The climate of supply and demand dictates where the homeless settle. We find a clear correlation between crime of petty nature and infrastructure tampering where the homeless have laid their hats. It is clear that communities need to be aware that as long as they support the homeless in their area, they will be plagued by drug dealing and petty theft continuously. It is time to say no more. To add fuel to the fire, we are in the festive season wherein it is known that criminal activity peaks. We must also note the impact that load-shedding has on our streets for petty crimes like copper theft,” said Syed.
Speaking on the “Don’t Give Campaign”, Syed said it is time to stand up and start being responsible, and stop supporting vagrants in the areas to curtail petty crimes and contribute towards a better environment for days to come.
“In order to stop these types of crimes which generally are perpetuated by the very same individuals you support at robots and portray themselves as car guards, we must acknowledge our part in the influx of vagrants into our areas. We strongly condemn any type of charity in cash, kind or otherwise as this creates a marketplace for vagrants to populate. The “Don’t Give Campaign” speaks to giving responsibly to shelters. Vagrants have brought suburbs to a state of utter shame and contributing to it is the total disregard by residents to the issues of illegal dumping.”
Chesterville based motorist, Sibonelo Mthombeni said that the high number of beggars at the intersections is concerning.
“As road users, we are the reason why there is an influx of beggars on the streets because we keep giving them food or money. As long as we keep giving them, there is always going to be an influx. It is sad that some of them are actually the ones that rob us off our possessions. Another issue is seeing these beggars on the roads with young innocent children which makes it difficult to not help but give them food or money,” said Mthombeni.
EThekwini District Communication Commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes said: “The SAPS are working with the Department of Social Development and Metro to address the issue of homelessness in Durban.”
