Social Development
With regard to reports that homeless people have been the victims of muggings and robberies at shelters in the Western Cape:
Whether there is any provision in place to ensure the physical security of homeless-shelter occupants and to protect them from muggings and other violent crimes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
The Western Cape Department of Social Development [WCDSD] has a long-term vision and commitment to partner with Non-Governmental Organisations [NGOs] / Non-Profit Organisations [NPOs]) and related institutions to care for people who find themselves homeless.
WCDSD does not directly operate shelters, it contracts with NGOs to provide these services through Transfer Payment Agreements [TPA].
Funded shelters do have security measures in place through means of alarm systems, rules on locking doors at a certain time of the night and having private security companies on call in cases of emergency.
Internally the shelters also have house rules to protect individuals with regards to the protection of their property and personal safety. Night managers/supervisors are on duty to deal with any matter to the safety and well-being of residence. Any person that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the shelter and placing other residence safety at risk, will be evicted as per the House rules and criminal charges laid by SAPS.
