Remember the story about the Pied Piper of Hamlyn? He was the guy hired to lure rats away from the city by playing his magic pipe. The city of Johannesburg may be in need of its own modern day PPOH, given the rat infestation currently plaguing the CBD.

The rats are swarming around litter on the streets of downtown Jozi. The uncollected rubbish is a result of the ongoing strike by Pikitup workers.

Meanwhile, the rat infestation – that sounds so medieval, doesn’t it? – poses serious health concerns. Rats can carry and spread 35 diseases. The vermin are also affecting business in the CBD, especially for hawkers.

Getrude Makondo, a Noord Street trader, said that since the strike began, there are far more rats than usual, and they are getting bigger.

“They are not scared of people, they look straight at you and some even have beards,” she said.

Beards? Rats with beards? What a delightful addition to a shopping trip.

[Source: City Press]