Beggars and illegal dumping are two issues often brought to Newcastillian News by residents searching for answers. Therefore, we spoke with Newcastle Municipality regarding its by-laws and how it intended to address these problems.
Firstly, Newcastillian News reported in July 2023 how Newcastle Municipal traffic officers took action against beggars by detaining 11 individuals and charging them at the Newcastle South African Police Service (SAPS).
However, the issue persisted as the beggars returned to their usual spots shortly after their release.
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While the beggars returned within a matter of days, seeing the problem persist, security companies have claimed these individuals have often been linked to crime and posed a security risk to community members, while being a road safety hazard in the process.
This could be seen in January 2024, when a vagrant attempted to steal items from the Newcastle SAPS but was taken into custody. At the time of the incident, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo explained that when it came to addressing the vagrants and beggars operating in Newcastle, the SAPS could only do so much, unless the Newcastle Municipality implemented its by-laws.
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Before delving into the matter, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit clarified that all municipal departments have specific by-laws designed to maintain order, ensure public safety, and foster harmonious living environments. “These by-laws are enforced by our South African Police Services and Municipal Officials from various departments,” explained the Communications Unit.
In regards to the beggars standing at the multiple intersections in town, many of which impact road safety and at times commit opportunistic crimes, the Newcastle Municipality said it would be implementing a National Act to address them. “The Municipality is currently using the National Road Traffic Act to deal with those interfering with road safety and we only need to intensify the act,” said the Communications Unit.
It should be noted, that Regulation 316 (5) of the National Road 93 of 1996 targets individuals who may not walk on a road where the sidewalk borders on a public road, unless crossing. As the beggars and vagrants are not crossing, they will potentially face charges when the Newcastle Municipality intensifies the Act.
While begging is a significant concern, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit noted that this was not the most commonly infringed by-law in town. The by-laws that are most commonly ignored were done by “law-abiding” residents.
The illegal dumping by-law, parking by-law, and the informal trader’s by-law are, according to the Communications Unit, the most commonly broken by-laws.
All of which will be looked into by the Municipality. Such is the situation on illegal dumping, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit said, “There is a fine of R1000 for illegal dumping and those responsible for illegal dumping can be arrested.”
As the Newcastle Municipality looks at intensifying the National Road Act to address the beggars, while warning residents that they can face a hefty fine or face legal charges, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit is now looking at the community to do their part.
“It is imperative that our residents understand that by-laws play a vital role in regulating various aspects of community life and are important for both businesses and residents. By-laws are also designed to maintain order, ensure public safety, and create harmonious living environments in our communities and further serve as a legal framework established by local governments to govern specific areas within their jurisdictions.”
For those wanting to familiarise themselves with the local by-laws, the Communications Unit pointed out that hard copies can be obtained from the Municipal offices, or can be viewed on the Newcastle Municipality website.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
No one will tell me who I can and cant feed. if you want beggers off the street then find ways to feed and employee them.