Follow-up: Empty house a concern for Edenglen resident
"The property is a disaster; something should be done about it."
By Stephan Lehman
Also read:Â Skeleton found at house in Erasmus Road, Edenglen
The house where the skeleton of an elderly woman was found two years ago has a community member concerned.
Vanessa de Villiers, an Edenglen resident, said she and her husband moved into a complex across the road from the property earlier this year.
In 2015 the NEWS reported the remains of the woman were found inside the house.
The discovery was made after the EMPD received complaints about the house.
The woman was estimated to have died two years before the discovery of her remains.
“The property is a disaster; something should be done about it,” said Vanessa.
Vanessa described the house as having the potential to be beautiful, if it was looked after.
When the NEWS recently went to the property; the pavement and front garden of the property was overgrown and not maintained.
“It is sad. No one cared to check up on the woman and it is even worse that no one cares about the deceased’s house,” said de Villiers.
Beside its being an eyesore in the neighbourhood, de Villiers said there are a number of other concerns.
She said the condition of the house could attract criminals, squatters and even pests.
Vanessa said criminals could take advantage of an empty house in the neighbourhood and use it as a ‘safe house’.
“It is my opinion that the elderly should not live alone on large properties. It is much safer for them to live with their families or in a retirement home,” said Vanessa.
Captain Jean Olckers, spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, told the NEWS that the deceased’s next of kin was contacted after the discovery of her remains.
Since then the Edenvale SAPS has been in communication with the relatives.
“At this stage it would appear that the elderly woman died of natural causes. The police are still investigating and we are waiting for more information before anything can be done,” said Olckers.
Councillor Heather Hart (ward 18) said dealing with the property has been a long process.
“This matter has reached an impasse and quite frankly there is not much that I can do about it,” said Hart.
She said the property is essentially a deceased estate.
Because of the status of the property as a deceased estate, Hart said the Master of the Supreme Court needs to appoint an Executor.
Hart believes that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality could maintain the property and put the cost on the property’s account.
She said the property account would have to be settled before it could be transferred.
Hart urged residents to assist where they can to ensure the property looks presentable.
