Vulnerable persons begging at the busy Pinehaven intersection were a key focus of a joint safety operation aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and improving road safety on the West Rand.

The initiative brought together public stakeholders such as Mogale City Public Safety, the police, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

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According to departmental spokesperson Ofentse Morwane, the operation reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, while ensuring families receive support services to restore stability and dignity.

Morwane explained that, under the Children’s Act, Section 150(1)(c), any child who lives, works or begs on the streets is considered in need of care and protection. Such cases must be referred to social workers for assessment and, if necessary, placement into temporary safe care.

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The operation also engaged with homeless individuals, informing them about available shelter options and discouraging street squatting. At the same time, police visibility was increased at the intersection to assess ways of preventing crashes on the notorious stretch of road.