Concerned neighbouring residents have urged the community, especially locally based welfare organisations to assist a vagrant who has taken up residence, under some trees in the Jet Street Park, in Laudium.
After the Laudium Sun team took to the scene, this past Wednesday morning (June 27), we saw the vagrant, only known as William, but he was unable to communicate fluently in English. His blanket and pieces of clothing, amongst other items, lay on a piece of cardboard near a park bench.
Shoemaker, Hanief Muhammad (39), said: "I have been repairing shoes and belts here, outside the Jet Street Park for around 11 years, and I often see vagrants taking shelter here during the Winter months. I am not sure about the identity of this guy, but I see him come back to his spot at different times during the day, and sometimes he just wraps himself in a blanket and sleeps away. I think he needs help. It would be good if the right people out there can come through and help him, especially during these cold times.”
Nearby resident, Faheem Gani (25), of Jet Street said: "I have noticed certain personal stuff left under the tree in the park and it isn't a very pleasant sight for the children who use the park, or even for passers-by and for us as residents. It is sad to see this guy out in the cold, when we have numerous charity organisations based in the community. As a concerned fellow citizen, I appeal to these organisations to come and help the poor guy."
In an attempt to intervene in the matter and attain help for the unidentified vagrant, the Laudium Sun contacted local councillor, Mahomed Essop, informing him of the presence of the homeless man and requested remedial avenues that would assist the individual and others like him.
"I am not aware of this matter," said the councillor. “But residents should report vagrants to the Metro cops, who will respond immediately, and have them transferred to a nearby shelter."
Shoemaker, Hanief Muhammad (39), said vagrants often take shelter in the Jet Street Park, especially during Winter.
The vagrant covered in a blanket at the Jet Street Park, has raised concern amongst nearby residents.
The vagrant, only known as William, was seen last night at the Jet Street Park in Laudium.