The local authorities of Fairland kept to their word of hosting a clean-up campaign of the unused municipal land along Still Street in Fairland.
In recent weeks, members of the community have raised concerns of the vagrants living there as well as building rubble and rubbish piling up. On 3 September, Fairland Community Policing Forum, Fairland Police Station, Pikitup and security companies held the clean-up of the vacant land in the hopes of ensuring the land isn’t used illegally nor the source of future illegal activity.
Fairland Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Michael Kgatla explained, “We are cleaning up this area to shift all forms of crimes that could be created here before it’s too late. Already there are squatters living here and it’s a mess and this is how it all starts.”
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Weweje has been instrumental in getting the clean-up organised and clean-ups hosted here in the recent past. On 28 August, the rule of law was upheld with the assistance and participation of Pikitup, Johannesburg Property Company, Metro police, City Parks, and Emergency Management Services. The City’s Displaced Person Unit was also present to help relocate and support any of the people living there with adequate shelter and other related services. It was on this day when these entities, along with Fairland Police, CPF and Residents Association made a commitment to residents to take action and they have done so twice in the space of two weeks.
Sergeant Kgatla stated that crime in this particular region of Fairland is still at their normal levels but such campaigns help keep the numbers low. He said, “There isn’t too much crime here but if we let people stay here, criminals might come in and see it as a good hiding place and path to disappearing.”
He added that nearby communities such as Berario are currently experiencing a surge in attempted robberies and such spaces contribute negatively to fighting this crime.
Councillor Weweje has thanked all the role-players involved in the campaign while Sergeant Kgatla also thanked Beagle Watch Armed Response and SCP Security for also being involved in the project and always supporting community related safety and security efforts.
