Tshwane metro to house homeless amid serial killer fears

Police are investigating the deaths of five homeless people in the city and are yet to make any arrests in connection with the killings.

"We had discussions with the mayor and we identified a warehouse that we are going to renovate,” says member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Social Development in the City of Tshwane, Sakkie du Plooy.

"We will get the keys by Monday, after which we can start renovations.

"We couldn’t use the warehouse before as it was used for other purposes, but the other departments of the city who were using it are now leaving, making it available to us.”

ALSO READ: More than 100 wanted suspects nabbed in Gauteng

Earlier in the week, the city also announced several other plans to speed up processes to accommodate homeless people.

"While we acknowledge that there is still a lot that needs to be done to address the plight of the homeless, the city has made significant strides on various initiatives that are aimed at improving the situation,” says du Plooy.

 

"For the first time, the city has budgeted a specific amount address homelessness in the next financial year.

"An amount of R5 million rand has been set aside to upgrade present shelters and to investigate measures for the development of more shelters for the homeless.”

The city will ensure that strict measures are implemented to ensure that caretakers of these buildings are capable of managing such facilities and do not exploit the homeless.

"We are making a plea to other government departments and the private sector to make a contribution to this vulnerable social group, the homeless, by providing jobs, accommodation and food", says du Plooy.