Mother, kids turn transformer chamber into their home
The City of Johannesburg has evicted a mother and her four children who had turned a transformer substation chamber in Randburg into their home.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department Mpho Moerane says the family, who is believed to be from Zimbabwe , were found during #KleenaJoburg operation on Monday.
It is not clear how long they had been staying in the chamber.
Items found inside the chamber included a chest freezer, beds, a wardrobe and stove.
ALSO READ: Corruption, wrongdoing, or ill-discipline cannot be accommodated in the ANC, says Ramaphosa
Moerane says the issue of homelessness in the city is a sore point.
"The problem of homelessness is big in the City of Johannesburg because of economic opportunities available. While the situation we found today is a sad one, it's a very dangerous one and there are even children involved. But the biggest concern is the illegality and vandalism that happened for them to be in there in the first place. That is why we had to save them by evicting them.”
Moerane says three people have been electrocuted during their stay in various high-voltage chambers.
"The MMC is engaging the Social Development Department and other authorities to assist the family with a place to stay and other social needs. Home Affairs Department will also be roped in to check the legality of some of the businesses raided during today's operation.”
