Parents have recently raised concerns regarding an alleged brothel and drug den in Elston Avenue, Western Extension.
These concerns ranged from various criminal activities, including drugs, prostitution and vagrants in the area.
One of the parents, who did not want to be named, said she is not happy with the house and the activities occurring there.
“We have been watching this go on for too long. We are raising children right next to the house and we see a lot happening. I know that a few years back there was a permit to destroy the house and it was stopped,” she said.
“As a community, what must we do about this situation because the criminal activities are getting worse?”
Another parent said they fear their children will end up using drugs or bunk school.
“Something needs to be done with houses like this. The owners need to take a stand and work with the police to evict these people,” she said.
The City Times visited the house at the centre of the allegations with Benoni SAPS officers last week.
ALSO READ: Joint Sars operation nets millions in illegal cigarettes, drugs
The house, which had recently experienced fire damage, is strewn with rubbish, condoms and used needles, and vagrants were found on the property.
A prostitute at the house said she is addicted to drugs and she doesn’t want to bother her mother; hence, she chose to leave home and live there.
The 31-year-old woman said she left her four children in the care of family members.
She said she makes enough money on the streets to feed her drug habit and buy food. Her boyfriend, a foreigner, also takes care of her, she added.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said police have made several arrests related to drugs at the house.
They also conduct operations and daily patrols in the area.
“Most of the houses in the CBD are occupied by foreigners. The owners do not cooperate with the police and only want our assistance when they want to evict people living in their house,” said Sekele.
“Police have learnt that these alleged drug dealers lock drug addicts up in the houses so that when the police arrive, they find the gate locked, which gives the perpetrators time to escape before we can take any action.”
Sekele said the SAPS has been working with the CFP and the partnership is working well.
“They are our eyes and ears on the ground and we value their assistance,” she said.
“The community needs to get involved because they know who the drug dealers are and those who support prostitutes.
“They need to assist us with information so we can get them off the streets.”
Benoni SAPS Vispol commander Col Khumbulani Ndaba said they are aware of the houses that are problematic in Elston and Victoria avenues.
“We have made several arrests and reach our target on drug-related crimes.
“Drugs and prostitution remain challenges for the police because most of these transactions occur behind closed doors,” said Ndaba.
“We need the community to work with us. When they have information they should give us a tip-off so we can make arrests.”
Ndaba added they are doing their best to stop drug dealing in the area and urge the community to work with them and not against them.
ALSO READ: Difficult conversations: How to talk to your teen about drugs
