With numerous residents conflicted about the topic, with some saying the homeless have the right to beg, while others argue that these people are drug addicts who only beg to support their habit, the bylaws are clear on the matter. However, regardless of the new bylaws and people’s split opinions, beggars continue to litter intersections across Newcastle.
To the point and looking back, in July 2024, the Newcastle Municipality officially implemented and approved the newly gazetted Municipal bylaws.
These regulations explicitly prohibited begging for money, goods, or employment through gestures, words, or any other means.
To read more on the bylaws and fines, click here.
Alongside these bylaws, the necessary fines and penalties were introduced to ensure compliance. With these measures in place, many Newcastle residents expected to see a noticeable reduction in the presence of beggars at their usual locations. However, despite the legal framework, the issue of beggars has remained unresolved, leaving many questioning the enforcement of these bylaws.
As one resident stated, “It is not like they are difficult to find. The police and municipality just have to drive to the usual spots and you will see them.”
Previously, Newcastillian News reported that the presence of beggars not only created a significant safety risk for motorists but also had links to criminal activities. According to law enforcement, some of these individuals have been known to prey on unsuspecting drivers, exacerbating public concern over their continued presence at intersections.
To read more, click here.
Building on this, Newcastle Municipality’s Councillor Zwe Nxumalo explained that one of the challenges faced with the bylaws was the actual enforcement.
He noted that it was the Municipality’s responsibility to remove all obstacles from the roads, alongside law enforcement, which includes those begging. This he said was for the safety of motorists and other road users.
Providing additional insight into the matter, Newcastle Municipality Spokesperson Mthandeni Myende explained that the issue had been discussed during a recent council meeting. He indicated that workshops would be conducted with councillors to familiarise them with the bylaws, enabling them to play an active role in their enforcement.
As stated by Councillor Zwe Nxumalo, Myende also clarified that the responsibility of removing beggars from intersections was not solely placed on one entity. “The responsibility of removing the beggars from the intersections is not the sole responsibility of the Municipality, but the SAPS as well.”
In addressing the risks posed by beggars, Myende stated that their presence at intersections endangered not only their own lives but also those of motorists.
To mitigate these risks, Myende revealed that arrangements had been made with the Joint Crime Prevention Initiative (JCIP). This partnership would enable all peace officers, including traffic officers, police officials, and even security personnel, to legally instruct beggars to vacate intersections. These measures were intended to enhance safety and ensure compliance with the bylaws.
Furthermore, as the festive season approaches, with an anticipated surge in traffic through Newcastle, Myende reassured residents that, “The Municipality, along with all stakeholders, will be taking steps to ensure the problem is resolved.”
Adding to the Municipality’s efforts, Constable Nonjabulo Langa, Spokesperson for the Amajuba District SAPS, confirmed that law enforcement would intensify its efforts during the festive season. Langa emphasised that addressing the concerning number of beggars in Newcastle would be among the priorities for SAPS as part of their broader commitment to enforcing the bylaws and enhancing road safety.
With assurances from the Municipality and SAPS that the bylaws would be actively enforced in the coming weeks, what are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe the measures will be effective in resolving this problem, or do you remain sceptical?
Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 5
If members of the public wish to support the beggars for personal or religious reasons they are welcome to do so. Pull off the road and give whatever you want. BUT! Do not obstruct the traffic whilst you entertain these beggars on the street at intersections. You can even invite these beggars to your home to collect your generosity. Just dont cause difficulties for the other community members.
These beggars will remain on the road until the law enforcement officers do their job!
It’s very simple… the people who have the authority must simple do their work. They drive on those roads and see the beggers but choose not to act and sort it out. The moment police and municipality act on the small bylaws and criminal activities and stick to it ,with time the bigger crime will slowly slow down. Fact is: just do your job!!!
It is funny to think that this situation can be changed. The beggar is arrested and fined. The beggar can’t pay the fine so is sentenced to what, 90 days in jail, but are released after 30 days because of overcrowding. They come out and go back to the robot where they were begging and the cycle starts again. It is a drug problem and people problem. just by hiding them away for a bit is not going to change the situation. And if you know junkies, who are that committed to drugs that they would give up the world and their families, then you will know that praying for them or trying to “help” them is pointless and childish. Everyone in their lives has tried to help them and they end up back at the robot. If you have ever been a junkie you will know what I am talking about. It is not a choice, it is who you are and getting high is more important than anyone and anything. But, at least the municipality and SAPS are trying, compared to people who think they are being a good person by giving them food and money, creating an even larger problem. The junkie now knows that food will be given and all collections can be used to get high, what a great deal.
It’s not a challenge – the police and traffic officers simply need to enforce the law and perform their duties. Far too often, we witness traffic police and SAPS allowing people to break the law right in front of them without any consequences. Do your job and stop neglecting your responsibilities.
What “security” personnel will insteuct beggars to move from intersections ? What law empowers “security” personnel. Can you be more clear by defining “security” personnel please ?