The Sea Point City Improvement District (SPCID) has raised concerns over the growing number of street children in the area. SPCID chairman Jacques Weber noted their presence mainly along Beach Road, St Andrews Road, Clarens Road and Regent Road near Queens Road’s restaurant cluster.
As per the Cape Argus, Weber said that their presence has led to increased reports of ‘aggressive’ behaviour.
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‘Regrettably, these children have often exhibited aggressive and abusive behaviour, causing distress, especially among women and elderly individuals walking along Main/Regent Road,’ Weber said.
Weber noted a trend of residents sharing their experiences on social media rather than reporting them to the police, which he says ‘hampers the collection of reliable statistics and evidence needed to advocate for additional policing resources and other necessary interventions.’
Weber expressed frustration over the SPCID security team’s legal constraints in dealing with the growing number of homeless youths encountered in a single day. He stressed the importance of reporting crimes to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for accurate data collection and resource allocation.
Weber explained that the matter is complex due to their status as minors and the strict guidelines that govern interactions with them, even by the SAPS.
He said one needs to contact the Western Cape government’s Department of Social Development (DSD) so that a social worker can be dispatched for support, but acknowledged the logistical challenges of this approach.
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Weber has discussed the issue with local councillor Nicola Jowell and plans to engage with the MEC of Social Development in the Western Cape.
In the interim, the SPCID is deploying additional security to key areas and monitoring youth activities to reduce intimidation incidents.
Sharna Fernandez, Social Development MEC, acknowledged the problem, noting that many children come from Kraaifontein and Kalksteenfontein. She mentioned the inadequacy of space in DSD Child and Youth Care Centres and the need for alternative interventions.
Fernandez said that there is a need for a coordinated approach involving the department, the SAPS and the municipality, in line with the Child Justice Act’s procedures for dealing with minors involved in criminal offences.
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Picture: Karabo Mdluli / Unsplash
