TENSIONS flared at the latest clean-up of Che Guevara Road (Moore Road) with homeless people protesting their removal and local councillors questioning the City and law enforcement about where the people were being moved, while gathered near Albert Park.

Ward 32 councillor Protus Mngonyama said he was not informed of today’s (February 20) operation which involved Durban Metro Police Service Suburbs Unit, Strike Team, SOD1 Bylaw Special Operations members and Durban Solid Waste. He was alerted by concerned residents and businesses who saw the people gathered on the grassy patch near Albert Park.

@caxtonlocalmediaTensions flare on Che Guevara (Moore) Road as clean-up operations spark protests near Albert Park. Residents, councillors and Metro Police weigh in. #DurbanNews #BereaMail #KZN

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“Residents and business are right to be concerned because criminals are now living among the homeless and robbing people,” said Mngonyama who expressed concern over the ongoing operations not yielding results.

“It’s one operation after another, yet a few hours later we are back to square one. There needs to be a solution, the situation cannot continue as it is. We weed out the criminal element and help those that want help,” said Mngonyama.

Also Read: Mayor calls for unified, humane approach to tackle homelessness

“We need to intensify the operation to eradicate this nonsense. I call it nonsense because these people are not homeless, they are criminals. The homeless do not rob people.”

For most of the morning the section of Che Guevara Road where the homeless people were living was closed to traffic while their makeshift shelters were dismantled and possessions removed, along with the waste.

This included sofas, buckets, clothes and tents. Across the street, the homeless gathered and sang protest songs, including ‘Isekhaya’la’ (This is home), while demanding to return under the bridge.

Sticking to their guns, DMPS pushed back and denied them access before they were moved on to the bridge across the street. “The operation focuses on restoring cleanliness, addressing illegal dumping, and improving safety within the area. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to proceed with caution as teams work on site,” said DMPS who were applauded by passing motorists.

As 13:00, the operation was still continuing.

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