Eviction of homeless people from Bantry Bay Caves raises eyebrows in the community
Community concerns rise as 23 individuals are evicted from the Bantry Bay Caves, prompting discussions about homelessness in Cape Town.
Image: Facebook
Ward 54 councillor in the Atlantic strip, Nicola Jowell has confirmed the initiation of an eviction process at the Bantry Bay Caves which saw 23 people being removed and some placed into a safe space .
Jowell made the announcement this week via her social media, detailing that assistance has been provided for those who were removed. This followed a formal legal process involving a lawful eviction order.
Jowell told Cape Argus that the area had a lengthy history of occupation which saw a rise in numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said of the 23, nine were provided with assistance to the city's safe after not declining assistance.
"There were 23 people who had been living at the site in a number of locations across the open space," she explained.
"Nine people were assisted to the city’s safe space, 2 others left to go back to their home suburb. The rest of the occupants declined any assistance from the city’s social development team.
"The caves have a very long history of being occupied but the numbers were quite small. It was only during COVID that the numbers increased considerably.
"I am sure some people had lived there from a few months to a few years."
The Department of Social Development has confirmed that it was not involved in the operation.
Jowell further explained that a woman and her cat have been provided with suitable accommodation, while others were offered assistance and access to a shelter.
“Today, the eviction at the Bantry Bay Caves was carried out following a lengthy and complex process of engagement, repeated offers of assistance, and ultimately a formal legal process resulting in a lawful eviction order,” she stated.
“This morning, occupants were again offered assistance to access shelter. I am pleased that a number of individuals accepted this support, and one couple voluntarily relocated back to their home area. A companion cat belonging to one of the women on site has been safely placed in care.”
A woman and her cat have been provided with suitable accommodation, while others were offered assistance and access to a shelter.
Image: Facebook
She noted that the operation required nearly 100 personnel from various departments and organisations, working under the guidance of the Sheriff of the Court to complete the process safely and lawfully.
“The area will now be extensively cleaned,” she explained. “These processes are complex and difficult, but they are undertaken carefully, lawfully, and with continued offers of support.”
Her post received over 200 comments, 1.2k likes and 60 shares with residents expressing concerns that they may return.
In a response to the Cape Argus, Mouille Point Ratepayers Association spokesperson, Jane Meyer said they supported Jowell in her decision making regarding the eviction process.
Nearly 100 personnel were deployed for the eviction operation at Bantry Bay Caves, where 23 individuals were removed following a formal legal process.
Image: Facebook
Activist Venetia Orgill, known as the "Angel of the Garden" for feeding the homeless in Cape Town, including those at the Company Gardens, argued that the large number of personnel descending on the caves could be seen as very intimidating for vulnerable individuals.
"We must not forget that for 23 people the City came with an army of 100 people to evict them," Orgill said.
"Already overwhelmed that they losing the place called home to deal with but now they have to deal with an army as well.
"Then going to shelter is short lived as in 3-6 months they must leave shelter. With winter on our heels they will go to shelter but all in all this is not a win for the City its bullying the homeless."