The dilemma of vagrants in Sandton continues.
Mathews Phiri, a Parkmore-based gardener, was so severely assaulted by who he believes to be squatters, that he has lost his sense of smell.
“I was attacked and robbed by the vagrants living under the Braamfontein Spruit bridge that adjoins George Lea Park,” explained Phiri.
“This attack happened when I was walking home to Parkmore. They hit me on the head with a brick and grabbed me around my neck. I was left for dead but regained consciousness and staggered home. They took my watch and phone but I wasn’t carrying money.”
He believes that the vagrants are all over and ‘will kill you for a cheap cellphone’. He further said, “There have been many incidents with these guys in Parkmore, so now we have put up barriers and gates throughout the entire suburb and it is closed off at night and most of the day. They are mostly from Lesotho and push huge bags around during the day.”
Read: George Lea Park dwellers
Phiri explained the severity of his injuries and said this incident was exceptionally costly and stressful. “I went to the emergency rooms [of a private hospital] for tests where they also did a CT brain scan. I had multiple contusions of the brain and multiple oedemas. This exercise cost R8 000. I then had to go to another clinic as they were between neuros [neurologists] at the previous hospital.”
However, Phiri explained that before the private clinic would admit him into high care they demanded a deposit of R50 000. “When I was discharged, the neuro sent a bill for R8 000. The total costs have been in excess of R30 000. Luckily my employer helped me with these expenses.”
Phiri showed a Sandton Chronicle journalist all of the medical reports which explain the extent of damage that was done to his head.
He added that he did not want to contact the police. “I am not going to the police station because what are they going to do to help anyway?”
In response to this, Alexandra Cluster stand-in spokesperson, Constable Matome Tlamela said, “All incidents have to be reported to the police and people cannot keep quiet. Matters like this need to be brought to the attention of the police.”
Read: George Lea squatters moved on
When a Sandton Chronicle journalist went into George Lea North Park to speak to the squatters, a group from Lesotho said that they did not do crime. One of the vagrants, who has chosen to remain anonymous said, “Other people, who are not squatters here, commit crimes and then use this park as a place to hide. We here, do not do crime.”
Read more:
George Lea squatters spark opinions
Community outrage at squatter camp in George Lea
Squatters harrassed, belongings destroyed by Metro
