Angeline Ncube, who works for a company that is opposite the land said, “The squatters have returned and we have the same problems as before. The vagrants have occupied the land and it is in such a state.”
Metro police had responded to concerns from a company in New Road by burning the vagrants’ recycling material. The informal settlers complained that their personal belongings had been destroyed in the fire, but Metro police denied this.
Metro police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane said, “We removed the vagrants on New Road but we have noticed that they have returned. We often try to move vagrants to shelters but they refuse and return to the vacant land they were occupying.
“Unfortunately we can not forcefully remove them because it is not a crime to be homeless. The councillor for Ward 112 and residents have laid complaints that Midrand is full of vagrants. We will keep monitoring the New Road spot but we can not do more at this point.”
Ward 112 councillor Leverne Young said, “The vagrants always seem to keep coming back even if they are removed. It is not easy to relocate the vagrants as there is no land available for that. The land on New Road where vagrants have made temporary homes is earmarked for development soon. When that process begins vagrants will have no choice but to move.”
