Councillor warns repeat offenders in ongoing vagrancy battle
Illegal shacks near Wonderboom Station were dismantled, with ward councillor Quentin Meyer warning that repeat offenders will face harsher action.
Community frustration is mounting over illegal shacks and vagrancy spreading along the N3 corridor, especially at Wonderboom Station.
Despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions, Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer warned that those who return to rebuild illegally after being removed will face stricter measures.
He said they received a tip-off regarding shacks that had been erected alongside Wonderboom train station.
Responding promptly, security and municipal officers arrived at the scene, and one occupant, found between Wonderboom and Pretoria North, was instructed to remove his belongings and complied without resistance.
He said a total of six shacks were removed, with the owners being issued stern warnings against returning or reconstructing their structures in the area.
“This area is not a place for illegal settlements. It poses serious safety and security risks to commuters, residents, and the integrity of our transport infrastructure.
“Those who attempt to return after being removed will be met with stricter enforcement, as we cannot allow repeat offences to threaten the community,” said Meyer.
Meyer highlighted the dangers that these makeshift structures pose to public safety.
“Shacks along the station fence not only obstruct visibility for drivers and security personnel but also create unsafe conditions for commuters, especially during peak hours.
“The growth of illegal settlements here is a public concern that demands immediate action,” he said.
The operation received strong support from municipal security teams, who also addressed hawkers operating in the vicinity.
The hawkers had set up temporary stalls and structures that blocked visibility around the station, creating additional safety hazards.
Meyer has called for more comprehensive solutions to address homelessness and vagrancy in the area.
“We are committed to addressing the root causes of vagrancy, but we cannot compromise the safety and security of our community. Those who breach the law will face the consequences,” he said.
Resident and community leader Raymond Ditsi stated that vagrancy is unacceptable in the community.
“We found three people living in this illegal squatter camp. This place is smelly.
“These people must go. I don’t know where to, but they must go,” said Ditsi.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
