Frustrated and desperate, a resident of Crieff Place in South Beach has sounded the alarm over what she describes as an escalating crisis caused by street dwellers occupying public parks and pavements in the area.
According to the resident, who spoke candidly with the Tabloid Newspapers, life in the once-quiet neighbourhood has become unbearable due to the presence of large groups of homeless people who have taken up shelter outside residential blocks and in children’s play areas.
“Our park is filthy, rat-infested and full of garbage,” she said. “These people sleep right outside our flats, do drugs in the open, urinate and defecate on our pavements. Our building cleaners are left to clean up every day. It’s a health hazard and it’s out of control.”
She added that while Metro Police were previously taking action, they have become inactive following alleged legal action initiated by the Democratic Alliance (DA) over alleged heavy-handedness.
“Metro were doing a great job before, but ever since the DA charged them, they’re scared to act. Now they say they can’t do anything unless a crime is committed. So we have no rights anymore – only the rights of the homeless seem to matter,” she lamented.
The situation is reportedly affecting the wellbeing of families and children in the area, with parks now seen as unsafe.
“Our children can’t play in the park anymore. These people lie all over the place during the day, and at night they sleep here. We’ve called Metro Police daily, but nothing changes.”
Adding to the frustration, the resident said that Metro no longer issues reference numbers when complaints are lodged, making it difficult to track or follow up on reports.
“One night I even called SAPS, and the woman on the phone was extremely rude. She told me to come down myself and point out the people, and then asked me what exactly they were doing wrong – then she hung up on me.”
The resident is calling on municipal authorities and law enforcement to take swift and decisive action to restore public order in the area, saying that the community feels abandoned.
“We’re not heartless – we understand people are struggling – but this is not the solution. We need help. Our rights, safety, and dignity matter too.”
DA PR councillor in Ward 26, Sharmaine Sewshanker was called to clarify the alleged legal action by her party against the Metro police. Sewshanker said, “Homelessness in the south beach area on Prince Street is a huge problem. Metro Police must stop playing politics and use the bylaws. The DA has never instituted legal action against the Metro Police Unit. I have however highlighted the alleged brutal use of force and assault by Metro Police against the homeless.
“There are 16000 homeless people in the inner city and as long as there are no solutions from the city of eThekwini for the homeless problem , they will continue to converge along highrise buildings and businesses.” said Sewshanker.
She said that residents have been warned not to feed the the homeless or give them money or use them to carry their groceries from the nearby stores or wash their cars.
“Unfortunately residents are encouraging the homeless to gather closer to the residential areas.As much as residents are continuously complaining about the homeless, the same residents want to remain anonymous and refuse to call Metro Police to log a complaint,” Sewshanker emphasised.
EThekwini Municipality’s Metro and communications unit were requested to give comments , howver at the time of going to print comments were still forthcoming.
