The South of Johannesburg boast a rich history that should be conserved and protected.
One such historical attraction that has been abandoned and vandalised is the house in Turffontein that was owned by Daisy de Melker.
“Daisy de Melker was the first woman serial killer to be convicted in South Africa for killing her two husbands and son through poisoning in the 1920s,” said councillor candidate for Ward 124 for the Patriotic Alliance Elaine Hemero.
Hemero is all about the history of the country and willing to conserve historical sites for tourism purposes.
She said it is important because it is part of the history of South Africa and stated it is the government’s responsibility to own what is part of arts and culture.
“Her house was known as The Ghost House. She also became a South African icon and figure of popular myths,” said Hemero.
She was hanged on December 30, 1932, for the murder of her son. She was the second woman to be hanged in the history of South Africa.
“The house is one of the 15 iconic buildings in Joburg, based on the history and public interest of the life of Daisy de Melker. The property should be preserved as a tourist attraction. Her house is one of the few buildings in the area built in the 1900s. It is a haunted location.”
Hemero said the house is being vandalised and run down and that it has been taken over by foreign nationals without permission.
“This is not being xenophobic, but it should have been protected because it is in the history books of South Africa and Gauteng Tourism. We cannot have an iconic building of Joburg being taken over or sold in the interest of making money.
“We urge the government to protect it for the sake of our country’s attraction.
“The house should be refurbished, keeping its originality, and government should add it to the Daisy de Melker Museum. This will encourage tourism in and upgrade of Ward 124.
“There are other buildings in the area which could also qualify for being included in the tourism route and be recognised by Gauteng Tourism,” said Hemero.
She said they have written letters to the government to protect the house.
“We also reached out to the owner of the house. He said he is the rightful owner and will show us documents, but till this day hasn’t shown up.”
