Traffic light man finally removed at Columbine Avenue and Main Road intersection

Thomas Mashele, who used live and stay at the intersection of Columbine Avenue and Main Road, was removed on January 19.

Ward 125 councillor Matsobane Sekhu said thanks to a multidisciplinary team that included residents, the Department of Social Development (Displaced Persons Unit), Mondeor SAPS, JMPD and ambulance services for conducting a successful operation.

“The displaced man has now been taken to hospital for psychiatric evaluation under the custody of the Department of Social Development. There will be a process to identify him in order to trace his family.

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“This is not the first time the man has been removed, but he somehow made his way back. I will continue following up with the Department of Social Development to make sure all is handled accordingly,” explained Sekhu.

He used to be there day and night, come rain or shine, for some time now. Thomas, who is a Mozambican, is familiar to most people of Meredale.

The COURIER visited him last year and he made it clear he doesn’t want to be moved there and said he was ‘fine’.

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“I’ve been here most of the time and I’m fine. Passers-by would often give me food and others are generous enough to give me blankets. It is so cold these days; however, I am okay. And there’s no way I’m leaving this spot,” said Thomas.