eThekwini Municipality clears 120 makeshift structures in latest push against Durban's drug havens

In a decisive move to reclaim urban spaces overrun by crime and vagrancy, eThekwini Municipality cleared approximately 800 people from a derelict property in Umbilo on Friday, dismantling 120 makeshift structures that had become a haven for drug activity and homelessness.

This came as the municipality continues its battle to get a grip on the substance abuse and vagrancy issues in Umbilo. 

An abandoned property that once housed an electricity substation along Khuzimpi Shezi Road formally known as Williams Road was cleared of the makeshift structures and people. Structures were made of plastic packets and sheets held up by wooden poles or sticks. 

Albert Park, Umbilo, the railway lines under the M4 Highway triangle has become a notorious crime hotspot and home to thousands of vagrants for the past 15 years despite several interventions by the municipality. The area has become an eyesore for people leaving and entering the city. 

Protas Mngonyama, ANC ward 32 councillor, said a multiple team approach from the city removed the vagrants and a business in the area fenced off the land. Mngonyama said that two security guards will be placed at the site to avoid re-occupation. Mngonyama adopted a similar approach at Albert Park which has seen a notable turnaround. 

“I have received a number of complaints from businesses and the community about homelessness and crime in this zone. I am aware of the crime here and through these efforts we will defeat them,” he said.  

Doran Subiah, chairperson of the Umbilo Business Association (UBA), said that the businesses in the area were frustrated with the ongoing vagrancy and crime in the area. Subiah said the homeless were burning fires daily and this posed a threat to the nearby businesses as well. 

Subiah said this dereliction was the entrance to their business hub and was an eyesore. He said the UBA area is next to the port and one of the contributors to the financial status of the country but has been overlooked. Subiah said the UBA area was also a powerful rate base. 

“We cannot attract investors when the area is under siege from drug addicts and homelessness. They have become a nuisance to customers entering the area. People are mugged on a daily basis here. Enough is enough. We have to work together and put politics aside. We pray this will be a permanent solution,” he said. 

Zak Vahed of Umondli Security Services said the Umbilo area is monitored 24/7 to drive out drug addicts and beggars and was confident that this initiative with councillor Mngonyama will bear fruit. Vahed was concerned that the homeless and persons with drug dependencies do not want to leave this section of Durban despite relentless police interventions. 

Mngonyama said he has seen progress with the turnaround of Albert Park since a clean up operation drove alleged drug addicts and vagrants out in February 2025. Mngonyama said the latest clean up was to infiltrate drug dens, dealers and users while those in need would be provided shelter. 

In October 2024, a clean up raid on the Albert Park-Maydon Wharf area was led by Premier Thami Ntuli but this was only a temporary solution. 

Fran Kristopher, DA eThekwini Councillor, was concerned that the displacement of homeless individuals from this area will cause them to migrate into the suburbs. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za