Landmark ruling shows the tables have turned

WE ARE celebrating a landmark court outcome that took place in Tshwane recently. When a group of homeless people took the SAPS to court in Pretoria for confiscating private property during a clean-up operation, the whole country had its eyes on the outcome as this had never been done before. The tables have turned.

This day made history. It empowered the homeless to stand up for what is right. That even if living in a gutter, the constitution protects us like everybody else.

In this landmark ruling in the Gauteng High Court, which stated that municipalities and metro police officials cannot confiscate goods from the homeless as part of their “clean-up” operations, we felt the power of our constitution.

The case was won. The City of Tshwane undertook to pay R1 500 towards each of a group of about 24 homeless people whose possessions were confiscated by the Metro Police last month during a “clean-up” operation in the CBD.

We understand the mandate law enforcement, the SAPS, and other security forces have to adhere to. And it is at times not WHAT they do, but HOW it is done. These officers play a vital role in keeping the City safe.

Long hours, day in and day out. And let’s not fool ourselves, the pay sucks. It is mind-boggling how nurses, teachers, and the police can be paid so little while we expect so much from them. Compare it with what local soccer players bring home – it is insulting!

The homeless tend to sleep in full view of City security cameras and close to police stations.

There is a good reason for that. We acknowledge the fact that even we can count on protection from the officers. If I were a person with criminal intent, I would be hiding in the dark.

I long for the day when we will be able to be more civil towards each other. Where the “they and us” gap will be closed. Sure there are some bad apples among us. They need to be dealt with. One must never forget the human behind the uniform. And it is not an impossible dream.

We need to create a forum by homeless people for homeless people. And talk. Talk things out. A safe space where one can speak one’s mind. Get things off one’s chest.

There is a culture of misunderstandings between us. I had the honour, after years of despising the officers from the CCID, to spend time with the field workers. And I was wrong about many things. I got to see things from both sides.

Today I refer many homeless people to them for assistance. Most touching is the late-night staff from the social department who would cruise the streets of Cape Town to find a lost soul, assist people with something to eat or just give a few words of encouragement at times.

When you are living a nightmare, every little bit of encouragement is needed.