A sense of unease is prevailing, as squatters set up shop in a vacant piece of land near the old railway homes in Paterson Street.
Wishing to remain anonymous out of fear, a resident explains the first shack was erected sometime back, before being broken down. However, it was only a matter of time, before the unlawful tenants returned. The resident explains, “They first used old blankets and cardboard as a shelter, before rebuilding the shack.”
Shortly afterwards, more squatters followed suit, building their shelters in between the trees and bushes, remaining hidden from sight.
While the resident explains that he understands people are struggling financially, he claims the squatters’ presence poses a risk. “There is a lot of drinking and whoring going on at the shacks, especially the one that is visible. Also, a woman was recently attacked and nearly raped by some of the squatters.”
The person explains the attempted rape sent shivers down his and other residents’ spines, as the woman’s scream penetrated the night, as she ran for help. She, fortunately, escaped the men, finding assistance from one of the nearby homes.
Meeting the Newcastillian – Online News’s editor on site, Acting Municipal Manager, Vish Govender assured the issue will be remedied punctually. During the site visit on Thursday morning, 10 June 2021, it was found that the shack dwellers allegedly responsible for the attempted rape, had packed their shack and had left during the course of the previous evening.
However, the squatters living between the trees were found. Govender explained a task team will now be formed and the squatters will be removed from the premises accordingly.
With plans now being implemented to deal with the issue, what are your thoughts?
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