Residents who live in the Somerset West area are being warned about homeless people who have turned violent at intersections.
According to Community Policing Forum Chairman Billy Smith, the number of homeless people begging and selling goods at intersections in Somerset West has grown in recent weeks.
Many residents have been handing out money and food to those congregating at the intersections but it appears this has had a negative effect. A police officer’s vehicle was even stoned when people at the traffic light were asked to disperse.
“I wish to plead to our residents not to give them anything. An incident occurred today when one of our officers were asking them to leave from the Vergelegen intersection and the SAPS vehicle was stoned breaking the windscreen. No officers were injured in the incident and the perpetrator was arrested,” said Smith.
Residents are being asked to stop giving to those at the intersections, the plea is not a request to stop caring for those in need. Those who wish to help during this difficult time are urged to do so through structured channels such as NGOs or government organisations.
“This will only stop if our residents do not give these sellers and beggars food or money at the intersections,” adds Smith.
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