In a joint operation with the police, law enforcement and Metro Police, the homeless living under Clovelly bridge in Fish Hoek were forceably removed on Tuesday 5 April.
The removal caused a debate among residents on social media, with some questioning the motive for removing the homeless and their belongings right before the winter season.
Fish Hoek Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Jonathan Mills said the space had been an issue in the community for several years. “A small number of individuals have lived under that bridge shelter for a very long time.”
The land reportedly belongs to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
According to Mills, the Clovelly bridge had become a crime hotspot. “This was not an operation targeted at the homeless, this was an operation to address an escalating crime hotspot for the protection of the whole community.”
Integrated operations are reportedly held in order to keep the area clean and free of gangsters hiding out and drugs being used, he added.
Ward 64 councillor Aimee Kuhl accused the homeless people of consistently refusing help with alternative accommodation and other essential services from the government.
“I am not privy to share the operational details of this intervention as this is part of an open investigation.
“But I can confirm that the individuals in question have been an issue for years and have consistently refused help form social services.”
However, on social media Fish Hoek residents either agreed or disagreed with the operation.
Sharon Brooks said it was sad for people to be removed as winter season was expected soon. “So sad. Why now when winter is upon us? I feel for those people.”
But Annebell Dachs said she was happy the space was cleaned up. She added it’s often used as a dumping site.
“So glad it has been cleaned up. It is a dumping ground and will all wash away into the ocean when the river comes down with rain.
“They must be removed and housed somewhere else.”
Faye Dakers questioned whether the homeless who lived under the bridge were given alternative housing.
“And I hope a plan has been made to house these individuals? Shelters etc.? Or have they and their things just been thrown out?”
Umm Jabir commented that nothing will be resolved until land and ablution facilities were made available to the homeless.
“You’ve solved nothing, only removed them from a sheltered sleeping spot and destroyed their property. There are working people living there also.
“Surely there is government administered land where sheltered sleeping space and ablution facilities can be made available to the homeless, if beaches can have toilets and showers.”
Henning Horn claimed the space was also allegedly used for drug dealing.
“That spot was a very well-known area where drugs were sold from. I have seen it myself. And you will be very surprised to find out who all supported them as dealers.”
Noel Smith wrote: “It took about five years with a police station a hundred metres away; wow, yes, very good job.”
The People’s Post reached out to Fish Hoek police for comment however enquiries went unanswered.
