Merebank's army base in the south of Durban now a safe haven for vagrants
Run-down and abandoned vehicles, overgrown grass and a home for vagrants is what the army base in Merebank, south of Durban, has been reduced to.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
WHAT was once a fully-operational South African National Defence Force (SANDF) base in Merebank has now been reduced to a shelter for homeless individuals from the nearby area of Lamontville.
The abandoned facility has raised serious concerns among local residents who fear an increase in crime and a decline in community safety due to the base's degradation.
When the Daily News visited the site on Tuesday and Wednesday, several old military vehicles, which appeared to be no longer in use, were seen parked on the premises. The base was largely deserted by the military but now occupied by various individuals, many of whom were believed to be from Lamontville, a short distance away.
Mike Moodley, a long-time resident of the area, expressed his deep concern about the state of the base and its possible impact on the community. “This is wrong because we are going to see more crime from people moving into the neighborhood. At the very least, the government should consider turning this space into a recreational facility for the community,” he said.
Moodley urged fellow residents to come together and demand action. “We reached out to the Daily News because we are genuinely worried about what’s happening. We hope this will help push authorities to take the matter seriously and find a proper solution,” he added.
The entrance to the Merebank army base that vagrants have made their abode.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
The issue is not only affecting residents but also local businesses. Stanley Govender, who operates a car wash near the abandoned base said the situation has driven some of his customers away.
“This problem with the base has affected my business a lot. People are scared to come here now because they don’t feel safe,” Govender said.
A boundary wall at the Merebank army base is not enough to keep out vagrants.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
Another local resident, Dr. Christopher Moonsamy, said the presence of homeless individuals at the site had created unease in the community.
“This is a big worry for us. We don’t have clear information on what’s going on at the base, but we do know that many homeless people have found shelter there,” he said.
The Daily News sent questions to the defence ministry, but no response was received.
DAILY NEWS