FOLLOWING reports of criminal acts against residents and beach strollers allegedly stemming from individuals who  found a home in the dunes by erecting makeshift shacks, on Friday (January 23) municipal authorities acted to remove the settlement.

The eThekwini Municipality Metro Police, working with the SAPS, private security companies, and other key stakeholders, executed an operation to stop the homeless invasion that has also created an eyesore.

“Authorities seriously need to do something about these growing shacks on the dunes in front of Bel Aire,” said one resident.

“Following a complaint received from the community, SAPS, together with the North Beach CPF, conducted an operation at the dunes today. Operations are ongoing to ensure continued safety and compliance. We extend our sincere appreciation to all roleplayers involved, with special thanks to SAPS for their swift and professional response,” said Mohamed Essa, chairperson of the North Beach CPF.

“The City is also developing a long-term strategy to address homelessness in a sustainable and humane manner. This includes assisting individuals living on the streets, while ensuring that unsafe and unsuitable public spaces are not illegally occupied,” said the City.

“Strengthening beach and public safety requires a community-based, multi-pronged approach and sustained engagement with key stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure that Durban’s beaches, and the entire City, remain clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone,” said Durban Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu.

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