Funny Farm under the spotlight again
Allegations of serious criminal activity were broadcasted on Carte Blanche recently.
Funny Farm, a controversial settlement near Alberton, was featured on Carte Blanche in an insert titled “Welcome to Funny Farm” on June 12.
- APOLOGY AND CORRECTION: Alberton Record has amended the contents of this article. The original version incorrectly and erroneously indicated that allegations in Carte Blanche’s insert were refuted. Any excerpts to that effect have been removed from this report. Any untested allegations made about the video have also been removed. Alberton Record apologises sincerely for these errors, and for its failure to offer Carte Blanche the right of reply prior to publication, and herewith corrects the public record.
Alberton Record’s sister publication, Germiston City News, previously reported that members of the public donate basic necessities to the people who reside on the crime-stricken property. At the time, it was alleged that the donated items had been re-sold by opportunistic residents – an allegation that was also featured in Carte Blanche’s insert.
The insert also includes allegations of human trafficking and organised place taking place there, and heart-wrenching accounts from residents and community members.
Resident Baron Dames has since spoken to Alberton Record about the goings on at Funny Farm. He is no stranger to the Alberton community and became known to many as ‘Rubber Cop’ while he worked as a security guard in the area.
Dames regrets the negative effects that Funny Farm’s reputation has on its residents who are trying to rebuild their lives. When looking for work, he says the moment one mentions they are from Funny Farm, they are rejected and labeled as criminals.
Alberton Record RETRACTS the below original reporting published on July 11, 2022:
Since the story about Funny Farm recently aired on Carte Blanche and reports shed light on the settlement, there has not been a single donation to Funny Farm.
This is according to Baron Dames, a 48-year-old scholarly farmer, who holds three degrees and has occupied the property for close to 12 years.
The former entrepreneur, who is gradually rebuilding his life, is a spokesperson and head of security at the settlement. Dames who used to work as a guard is known to many as ‘Rubber Cop’.
He is speaking out following numerous complaints and concerns about allegations of criminal activities inside the property, with authorities labelling it as a hot spot.
In an exclusive interview, he said these reports have caused detriment, consequently affecting livelihoods. Dames also refuted all allegations brought against Funny Farm and its residents.
“In most instances, perpetrators of crime come from outside and maybe stay here for a few days before going back to where they come from. We don’t have human trafficking here, no babies are being sold and we don’t have anyone conducting organised crimes,” he said.
When looking for work, he said the moment one mentions they are from Funny Farm, they reject and label them as criminals.
“I was working at the same place for four and a half years until Carte Blanche aired their show. I’m now jobless because of these reports. Why must this place define who I am? I was described as the biggest gun dealer when they showed one of my toy guns. I cut these toy guns into half, place them on the board and sell them. That’s how I make money,” he explained.
Dames explained that the toy guns are not used for armed robberies as he has never stolen in his lifetime.
Looking back
Funny Farm, initially called ‘Vegkoppies’ in the late 90s, the settlement was said to be famous for having hit men ‘who took care of business’ back in the day.
The illegally occupied Alberton North property belonging to the Gauteng Department of Education is home to 130 people.
Dames told the Alberton Record they hate the name Funny Farm as it collectively labels them as criminals.
However, he reiterated that they have a committee at the property, as they are trying to properly run the place.
“We are not animals nor are we all criminals, no one will ever walk seven days in any of our shoes. In every community across the country, there are bad apples, but you don’t see their homes being evicted. The settlement is a perfect example of a rainbow nation,” Dames said.
He also suggested that Council and relevant parties should outline feasible solutions rather than imposing an eviction, as they do not have anywhere else to go.
