OPERATION Buya Mthetho was in full swing again despite the cold autumn morning.
The Joburg Metro Police pounced on homeless people living under the bridges in Jozi on Monday afternoon.
Their belongings, including old blankets, mattresses and plastic bags – used to keep them warm at night, were taken away. The operation is part of JMPD’s new safety highways clean-up campaign.
It’s targeting the Jan Smuts and Empire Road off ramps, as well as the Empire Road bridge near Wits University.
According to JMPD spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, the homeless people found under the bridges were also involved in criminal activities, including smash and grabs.
“Motorists need to be safe on the roads at all times. But that’s made impossible by the people living under the bridges. Some of them make fires and their belongings end up on the roads which is dangerous to motorists and also to the structure of the bridge,” said Minnaar.
He said the campaign also aimed to increase police visibility on the roads so crashes due to speeding could be reduced.
