WHEN Cheryl Chapman moved to Durban North four years ago, the bush that separates Waterkant Road and the M4 highway was maintained regularly.

About three years ago, the trimming of the vegetation stopped and as the bushes got more dense, it became a space for the homeless to live in.

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“When I moved here four years ago, the trees and shrubs opposite my home were short. You could see the freeway but now since it’s so overgrown, it’s become a home for a few people,” she said.

Chapman said copper pipes were stolen twice and while she was asleep one night, a man came into her room and stole her laptop. She woke up and caught him in the act while he was approaching her bedside to steal her phone.

“In the past three years, I’ve had items stolen from outside the property and recently, someone entered my home at night and stole my laptop,” she said.

Chapman said the front gate is now covered with shade cloth so that people can no longer peer into the yard as it had become an invasion of privacy.

“Not only do they look into the yard, but they stop and shout out regularly for food and money. There are a few people who live on the property and we fear for our safety,” she added.

Chapman said what was also a major concern was that the people inhabiting the bush also made fires for cooking which posed a hazard to themselves and the residents in the area.

“I know there are fires being made because I see clouds of smoke coming out of the trees. If the City could go back to trimming the hedge these people will have nowhere to hide out,” she added.

Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer said the issue of homelessness is not new to Durban North.

“This issue goes as far back as 2002. The community policing forum has been trying to deal with the issue but nobody has a concrete solution,” said De Boer.

“During searches, the CPFs have found stolen goods in the bushes,” added De Boer.

“An option would be to stop giving homeless people money and food. There are feeding schemes, soup kitchens and the like if they need food. Giving people money is not helpful to them and only feeds an addiction,” he added.

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Dr Raymond Perrier, the director of the Denis Hurley Centre, said nobody is homeless by choice and the main contributing factor to the problem is that our economy simply cannot provide enough jobs for its citizens.

“There are currently 6000 homeless people in Durban central which excludes the smaller numbers in the suburbs. It’s a serious problem. We conducted a survey last year where 72% said all they wanted was work – not handouts, not money but work,” he said.

He agreed with De Boer, saying that locals should support the homeless through feeding schemes.

EThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said as per the City by-laws, no individual is permitted to sleep in a public space.

“When a complaint about homelessness is received, Metro Police intervene in accordance with the by-laws. Residents can call 031 361 0000 for assistance,” she added.

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