Tshwane refutes claims of protest at Pretoria temporary lockdown shelter
“We are managing them in such a way that we’re minimising any potential risk of contraction or spreading of the virus.”
The Tshwane metro have refuted claims of protest by the homeless community at a temporary lockdown shelter in Pretoria CBD.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said there were an estimated 700 people at Caledonian stadium, which is being used as a temporary shelter.
“We are managing them in such a way that we’re minimising any potential risk of contraction or spreading of the virus,” Bokaba said.
He said the metro was expecting more homeless people to be accommodated at various shelters in the city.
“We are searching for them. Some run away when they see us. But we will round them up across the city, take them to the Caledonian before decanting them.”
This after social media activist Yusuf Abramjee said: “Tensions are running high at Caledonian Stadium in Pretoria.”
ALSO READ: No budget for city shelter yet as homeless lose hope
Abramjee said the homeless were in protest, demanding running water, “better food” and blankets.
Another Pretoria resident who wanted to remain anonymous alleged that the group of homeless people were allegedly just rounded up and left at the Caledonian stadium by Tshwane. Allegedly there are too many people with too little space.
“An NGO trying to feed them says it is a mess, there is no social distancing, they are fighting for food and women and children are crying.
“They trying to reach out to social development, but in vain.”
The Department of Social Development spokesperson Thabiso Hlongwane said the matter will be investigated and “be attended to without fail”.
ALSO READ: Callies to be converted into ‘PSL-standard’ stadium
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