Primrose residents raise concerns over growing vagrancy near cemetery

Primrose residents living on Cemetery Road in Primrose have voiced concerns about the presence of vagrants in the area, describing the situation as disruptive and, at times, unsafe.

Community members said the issue has escalated in recent months, with reports of loitering, makeshift structures, and alleged public disturbances.

Many residents have expressed that what was once a quiet and respectful space has become a source of anxiety.

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This matter is not isolated to Cementry Road; it has been a growing concern in the Germiston area.

The matter forms part of a broader trend affecting parts of Germiston, where residents have increasingly raised complaints about vagrancy, illegal structures, and public disturbances in open spaces. Residents have been requesting the city to intervene and assist on this issue.

City response and by-law enforcement

According to the EMPD, enforcement is guided by the City of Ekurhuleni’s public open spaces and also street and miscellaneous by-laws. Importantly, the city emphasises that homelessness or “vagrancy” itself is not a crime.

Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, spokesperson for EMPD, clarified that they can only intervene when a specific by-law is being violated.

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“EMPD’s standard procedure is to engage individuals, issue warnings, and request voluntary compliance.
Should a person fail to comply with a lawful instruction, fines may be issued under the Criminal Procedure Act. However, forced removal or relocation can only take place through a court order, in line with the Constitution, which protects the rights to dignity and freedom of movement,” said Thepa.

Limitations and legal framework
The City highlighted several limitations in dealing with the situation:
• Individuals cannot be arrested or removed solely for being homeless.
• Personal property cannot be confiscated without due legal process.
• Relocation to shelters is voluntary unless authorised by a court.
• Criminal matters, such as theft or assault, fall under the jurisdiction of SAPS.
These constraints, while rooted in constitutional protections, have contributed to frustration among residents who feel that enforcement is not always visible or effective.

Ongoing interventions

The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that it is aware of complaints in Primrose and surrounding areas and has taken steps to address the issue.

She said increased patrols have been deployed in identified hotspots, including areas surrounding the cemetery.

“Joint operations involving Social Development have been conducted over the past three months, with individuals found contravening by-laws issued warnings and compliance notices.

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“Those willing to accept assistance have been referred to shelters and support services, while SAPS has been engaged where criminal activity has been reported,” said Thepa.

Planned action
In response to ongoing concerns, EMPD has outlined further interventions:
• Continued high-visibility patrols in affected areas
• A joint operation with Social Development and SAPS
• Ongoing referrals of willing individuals to shelters and rehabilitation programmes
The city also noted that its approach remains interdepartmental, bringing together social services, crime prevention units and reintegration programmes to help individuals access support, return home or rebuild their lives.

Community concerns persist

Despite these measures, residents maintain that more needs to be done to restore safety and dignity to the area.

Many are calling for sustained enforcement, improved communication, and long-term solutions to address both the humanitarian and safety aspects of the issue.