Homeless and housing activists have lambasted the City of Cape Town over its proposed amendments to by-laws relating to Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances.

Published on

11 June 2021

Activists have warned the proposed amendments would criminalise homelessness and increase the powers of law enforcement officials, making the arrest of the homeless much easier. The proposed amendments included the removal of any obstruction, arrest of a person, who commits an offence in terms of the by-law, and the power to arrest someone may only be exercised in respect of a contravention of section 2(3)(m) if the person has refused to accept an offer of alternative shelter. The proposed amendments are open for public comment until the end of June.

Merentia Van Der Vent

Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.