Residents living near the greenbelt between Windsurf Street and 9th Avenue in Weltevreden Park are facing a growing concern over vagrants who have made the area their home.
The Roodepoort Northsider was contacted by Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe after receiving several complaints from residents who now reside in the greenbelt. Shawe adds that the presence of these vagrants, who are reportedly recyclers, has led to a surge in illegal dumping, noise complaints, and safety risks for residents.
Upon arrival, Shawe led Northside journalist Tshegofatso Thobedi along the trail which the recyclers have created for themselves, that goes along the greenbelt behind residents’ homes towards the highway. During this walk, the greenbelt was flooded with garbage and waste, with an unpleasant smell from the urinating and defecating in the greenbelt.
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“The situation has become so dire that residents are fearing for their safety, particularly on weekends when we have received reports of attempted break-ins in their homes.
“Despite repeated efforts to contact the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), no meaningful action has been taken to address the issue. Residents claim that they have reported multiple times, but the recyclers continue to occupy the greenbelt, causing disturbances and posing health risks to the environment,” Shawe explains.
Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF) public relations officer Michael Steyn confirms that they are aware of the ongoing issues at the greenbelt between Windsurf Street and 9th Avenue in Weltevreden Park.
Steyn adds that the area has unfortunately become a hotspot for illegal dumping and the presence of informal recyclers, which has raised significant concerns among residents regarding safety, hygiene, and environmental impact.
“We have discussed this matter with both Honeydew police’s management and the JMPD. Unfortunately, as this is primarily a by-law enforcement issue, it currently sits with JMPD and other relevant departments within the City of Johannesburg to address. For a meaningful resolution, it will require a multi-departmental approach involving Environmental Health, Waste Management, and Social Development, among others.
“JMPD did respond to a noise complaint over the past weekend, which we appreciate, but a more coordinated and sustained effort is essential to properly address the situation. We are also working closely with Shawe, Panorama Residents Association and other stakeholders to push for action while continuing to encourage community members to report any illegal activity or disturbances. Our collective aim is to restore the greenbelt into a safe, clean, and welcoming space for residents,” Steyn says.
The Northsider contacted JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla for comment, and a response will be given in the follow-up article.
