Veld a nightmare for Kingsway residents

According to Bezuidenhout, the situation in the open veld has become worse over the last two years.

June 17, 2021

Jemma Pringle and Tayla Smit 2 minutes read

Every turn you take there is more rubbish.

The City Times recently visited a veld in Kingsway after receiving a complaint from Hannes Bezuidenhout, who is fed up with the situation there.

He said not only is the sorry state of affairs impacting residents’ safety, but it is also an eyesore of illegal dumping, and as a result, a great place for criminals to hide.

“I have reported the issues to the municipality on numerous occasions,” Bezuidenhout said.

“At one point I even reported a body, which my neighbour informed me about, and the metro and police did not want to believe me until they got here and saw it for themselves.”

According to Bezuidenhout, the dire situation the residents face has become worse over the past two years.

Even waste materials from companies are dumped here.

The filth the residents have to contend with due to unchecked illegal dumping.

Illegal fires are started by vagrants and illegal dumpers who try to get rid of the evidence of their dumping.

Sewage and rubbish can be seen everywhere.

Just about every inch of the veld is full of dumped materials.

Fires burn continuously in the veld, the resident said.

Nappies, bottles and plastic, you name it, is dumped here.

Nappies, nappies and more nappies dumped in the veld.

The veld in Kingsway is riddled with rubbish from illegal dumping. Photos: Jemma Pringle.

“I watch as trucks, bakkies and other vehicles illegally dump whatever they have. Everything you can think of is being dumped here and when I tell people they are not allowed to dump here I am threatened and sworn at,” he said.

“It’s also become so unsafe. Gangs and groups come here with their dogs and send their dogs onto our properties through dug-out holes for them to attack my livestock.

“At one point I had 30 dogs in my garden. Not only did they attack me, but I ended up losing 30 ducks and four ostriches to them.”

ALSO READ: Illegal dumping in Actonville a health hazard

According to the Kingsway resident, he has also seen stolen copper cables being dumped in the veld.

“We have no street lights, no protection from the police or EMPD or even security companies. My electric fence keeps getting stolen and illegal fires and dumping is an ongoing issue,” he said.

“I seriously don’t even know who to call or talk to about this any longer.”

All the residents in the area around the veld are connected via a walkie-talkie system, which Bezuidenhout implemented.

“We protect each other. If any of us spots someone or feels unsafe we communicate on the walkie-talkies to assist each other because when we call the police no one comes,” he said.

“I called the police just a few days ago and I am still waiting for them to arrive.”

In June last year, according to Bezuidenhout, the EFF attacked him on his farm while trying to take his land.

“I work very hard for my farm. I grow my own fruits and vegetables and all my meat is my own. This is my home,” he said.

“I fought hard that day and I am just grateful I lived through it to tell my story. This area has become so unsafe. It needs to be sorted out. We can’t go on like this.”

This City Times awaits comment from Benoni SAPS and metro.

ALSO READ: Metro plays catch-up after backlog in rubbish collection