Vagrants have moved to the corner of Reddy Avenue and East Road in Grassy Park.
The issue of vagrancy in Grassy Park has yet again been highlighted by residents, business owners and shoppers in the hopes of addressing the ongoing problem.
The corner of Reddy Avenue and East Road is lined with makeshift tents, leaving residents afraid to walk freely in their own community and business owners trying to find solutions to deal with the problem.
A business owner in the area, who did not want to be named, said the vagrants use drugs out in the open, fight among each other and there are condoms and needles laying in the street.
“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.”
Resident Natalie van Dieman who lives in Reddy Road said they avoid the area because they feel at risk of being mugged or accosted.
“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.
On a Facebook post about the issue, Khursheed Khan, who lives opposite the post office, said the increase is directly linked to the previous eviction of vagrants 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 levels and had confronted some of the vagrants.
“It’s sad to see that gangsters, druggies and vagrants have become our problem to deal with.”
Roberto Cavali said it is senseless that the vagrants were evicted from opposite the library only to move across the road and do the same thing.
Ward councillor Donavan Nelson said the City is aware of the vagrant issue and notices were served to all street persons of Reddy Avenue and East Road, requiring them to vacate the grounds by December 2024 and the City will now approach the courts to obtain an eviction order because they did not comply.
“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.
“It’s important to note that the Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Act (from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act) sets out a strict process that must be followed when dealing with issues involving vagrants, street people, and the homeless,” said Mr Nelson.
He added that the City must demonstrate that they have done everything possible to integrate, rehabilitate, and reconnect these individuals.
“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,” said the ward councillor.
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