EMPD Kempton Park precinct officers and the police descended on the Kempton Park CBD on Thursday to remove vagrants who have proved to be a nuisance to businesses as well as suspected to be responsible for the spike in small time criminal activities.
The operation took place place from 6am to 10pm, Lt Col Wilfred Kgasago, metro police spokesman, said.
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“Most of the young boys are drug addicts and tend to rob pedestrians of their cellphones and other valuables,” Kgasago said.
“One big problem is on the corner of Long Street and Monument Road where there are about 20 vagrants who in recent times have resorted to various crimes to survive. The butchery at the corner has already closed its doors and several other businesses in the vicinity have indicated they will also close shop as these vagrants put off regular and potential customers from supporting their businesses.
“Members of the public exacerbate the situation by providing food to the vagrants who have made the place a permanent abode,” Kgasago added.
Vagrants were also removed from CR Swart Drive opposite the court. Their belongings, which included blankets, pillows, bags of clothing and card boxes were also removed using four light delivery vans.
“The metro police will ensure that the eyesore and the terrible health conditions are got rid of.”
Various small quantities of drugs found lying around were confiscated. A 16-year-old boy found in possession of Cat was given a stern warning.
Operations of this nature will be periodically conducted until the problematic locations are cleaned up.
