Business owners in Mitchells Plain Town Centre are threatening to close up shop if the City of Cape Town does not tackle the vagrants “destroying” the popular mall.
Owners say despite repeated requests for Law Enforcement to take action against homeless mense squatting outside their shops and erecting shelters on doorsteps, nothing is being done.
Abubaker Ebrahiem, who runs a cellphone shop, says he installed gates to protect himself and his staff as they are bang vir skollies who sleep in the centre.
UNSAFE: Abubaker Ebrahiem installed gates
“I have been here for nine years and every day it gets worse. They put up these houses, pee anywhere and rob the customers. Nobody wants to come here
anymore.
“There are places that sell food, but the whole place is filled with rats. How can we trade here? We will have to close down.”
Sharon Solomons, 52, who has been sleeping in the centre for 14 years, says she has nowhere to go.
“I came here after the bank repossessed our house and I have nowhere to live,” she says.
“Law Enforcement officers told us we can go to shelters, but we’re scared because it’s far away and how will we skarrel for money?
“I recycle these boxes every day and get something for food to eat.”
Warda Jacobs, manager of The Plain Building on Allegro Lane, says the tenants are affected by the continuous break-ins.
“The situation is also not healthy; there are children here and there are rats everywhere,” she says.
“Law Enforcement come and give fines and just leave again, but these people cannot pay these fines, so it’s a waste of time.”
'NOWHERE TO GO': Sharon Solomons
City Director for Safety and Security, Richard Bosman, confirms the makeshift shelters were also broken down and removed.
“The homeless return to the same areas and officers start the same process all over again,” he says.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien, says officials have offered aid, but the homeless have refused to move.