City considering approaching High Court on urgent basis for further relief
5 March 2020
The City of Cape Town is considering returning to the Western Cape High Court for further relief in respect of the refugee situation that has played out in the Central Business District for the past four months.
On Sunday, 1 March 2020, the City undertook an operation in Greenmarket Square, as provided for in the court order granted on 25 February 2020.
This operation was preceded by a seven-day verification process by the Department of Home Affairs of persons who had been residing in public spaces around the Central Methodist Church.
The Greenmarket Square operation was conducted with little resistance from the refugees as everyone involved in the operation understood the process and were given several opportunities for assistance in reintegrating into their communities. The City is in the process of assisting the refugees with reintegration where they have indicated their willingness.