Chaos has erupted at the Strandfontein Sports field where homeless people have clashed with cops and the army.
Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, and members of the South African National Defence Force [SANDF] arrived in their droves at the site where the group of street people from various parts of the city are meant to stay during the lockdown.
Tensions rose on Tuesday afternoon shortly after a group of homeless mense from Somerset West arrived.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith says three people were caught as they attempted to flee from the site.
Smith says the newly arrived group was under the impression that they would return to their areas once they were screened for Covid-19.
“We can confirm that there was some conflict on site, involving a newly arrived group of street people from Somerset West,” Smith says.
“They were under the impression that they would be allowed to return to their areas after being screened at the site, and when it became clear that they were required to remain in Strandfontein a few of them pulled down one of the internal fences and four climbed over the perimeter wall,” Smith says.
Smith also dismissed reports of a fire at a site earlier today.
“The City can confirm that there was no fire on site this afternoon. Staff from the Mitchells Plain Fire Station went on-site to conduct an inspection.”
“While some of the group has since indicated that they will remain on site, the City would like to make it clear that, according to SAPS, any person who leaves the site will be in violation of the national lockdown regulations and will be dealt with accordingly,” Smith said.