Sheriff concludes eviction of Cape Town's homeless
The Sheriff of the Western Cape High Court yesterday concluded the eviction of homeless people living in and around Cape Town's central business district, reports News24.
The evictions took place in the vicinity of the Nelson Mandela Boulevard intersection with Hertzog Boulevard, Old Marine Drive, and the Christiaan Barnard Bridge.
It was under the court's direction, via the sheriff and SAPS, with Social Development Department officials and law enforcement playing supportive roles.
In February, the court granted a final eviction order in the city's application to remove homeless people living around the Culemborg area.
The order included a standing interdict against any further unlawful occupation of these areas as well as other city-owned public spaces.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city had extended every offer of care to individuals unlawfully occupying the Culemborg area, including dignified transitional shelter at its Safe Spaces.
The city is also awaiting the court's imminent ruling on a final eviction order for various other homeless encampment sites – including along Buitengracht Street, FW de Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, the taxi rank and Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue and Mill Street Bridge.
Over the past few years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown, the number of destitute residents has increased.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
