Despite the City’s numerous efforts to clean up and remove the inhabitants and their makeshift shelters on Che Guevara Road, the situation always reverted to an unsightly appearance. Residents and business establishments in the vicinity decry the subsequent invasion.

There was a discovery of an assortment of cheap drugs trade in the informal dwelling, resulting in the arrest of a woman who posed as a dealer for the ‘residents’.

Residents and motorists have welcomed the new look, but fears of a decline still linger. Durban Metro Police has committed to conducting regular patrols of the area until order is fully restored.

Also read: WATCH | Homeless protest removal from Che Guevara camp

Heather Roos, vice chairperson of the Glenwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, is concerned for the residents, citing the relocation of homeless people to nearby areas.

“In lower Glenwood, the residents are seeing a lot more different homeless people in our area. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, both by cleaners and law enforcement, to really clean up and clear out that area, and to make sure the homeless do not return,” she said.

A business owner on Cuckoo Lane, off Khuzimpi Shezi Road in Congella, is worried about the latest raid. “We have seen hundreds of homeless, and drug addicts settling in front of business premises. They have brought in their belongings, and others relieve themselves on the pavements. This is hitting our business badly, as clients are wary of coming into the area. Some have reported car break-ins,” he said.

Also read: Metro police refute claims of losing battle against homeless invasions

“However, the biggest question from residents is where have all these homeless people gone to; they must tell us as they can’t just chase them out of that area and not know where they have all gone to,” Roos shared.

She reckons the City ought to find a lasting solution. “There have to be more rehabs to send the drug addicts to; they’re the problem. They will not go down to Illovo (Sakhithemba) or too far from their suppliers. It’s no good just moving them around in the city or suburbs, as their drug suppliers can still get to them.”

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here