Media Statement from KwaZulu-Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service
The Chatsworth temporary shelter which housed displaced foreign nationals was officially shut down on 30 June 2015. This morning members of the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Joints) held an operation at the camp after it was found that a large number of people were still camping on the grounds after being informed by the city not to do so.
Prior to the operation, intelligence received indicated that approximately 140 (including approximately 80 children) people who refused to move were camping illegally on the grounds. They refused all assistance offered by government and NGO's and also refused the integration packages offered by the UNHCR. This morning at 10:00, SAPS, Durban Metropolitan Police, the Department of Social Development, the Municipality and other role players arrived at the sports grounds and arrested those that were found camping illegally. They will be charged for contravening the bylaws of the city as well as in terms of the Child Care Act.
At 10:30 the area in Chatsworth was cleared and all arrested persons were transported to the Chatsworth police station. Their belongings were removed from the grounds and all minors were handed over to the Department of Social Development to be accommodated at a home in the area.
The Chairperson of The Provincial Joints, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, commended members of the Joints for their conduct throughout the operation. "This operation was executed swiftly and in a very professional manner. It is unfortunate that this group chose to disregard warnings by Government and NGO's and blatantly contravened the laws of this country. We cannot turn a blind eye to such activities as they also pose a threat to peace and stability in the country," she said.
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