An abandoned property on Patel Street, Actonville, has become an eyesore and health hazard for some residents of the area, who now call for immediate intervention.
Residents said the property has stood vacant for the past four years without any maintenance.
According to resident Virginia Msimang, the property has become a hideout for criminals and drug addicts.
She said previously, a tavern and panel beating business ran from there.
“A few years back, we started seeing nyaope boys stealing vehicle parts at the abandoned workshop. Then, the building was occupied by a recycler who rented but didn’t live there for long because the structure suffered three fires, leaving it in total ruin.”
Seeing the building’s state, Msimang said its owners allegedly hired a TLB (tractor, loader, backhoe truck) to demolish it.
“Since the demolition, the site has been left unattended. Every day, criminals steal from the area and use the site as a storage facility and hotel. Every morning or afternoon, we watch in horror as we witness the squatters bathe and undress in broad daylight.
“It is uncomfortable for us to live in the same vicinity. Our children are not safe.”
Another neighbour, Sibusiso Mngomezulu, said the property is also an illegal dumping site that causes rodents and flies.
The concerned residents said they had brought the matter to the attention of the property owners and Ward 29 Clr Imtiaz Loonat, but nothing was done.
Loonat said he is aware homeless people are squatting there, adding that attempts were made to rehabilitate the property, but due to it being private property, their efforts were limited. The property owner is deceased, and the property is in an estate.
“We have engaged with the family and were told they are still winding up the estate, so they can do nothing until that concludes. The municipality can only step in if the owners don’t pay rates and taxes.”
The councillor said they have noted that several buildings have been hijacked in that area, and they are working to reclaim them.
City of Ekurhuleni responds
According to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the municipality can only claim the land back if it belongs to the council.
“Building Control can serve contravention notices on dangerous buildings or those showing signs of becoming dangerous (Section 12 of the National Building Regulation).
“Furthermore, the municipality can compel the owner to take corrective action.
“A failure to do that means the municipality can take any corrective action deemed necessary to make the property safe for human life and claim the money spent on this from the owner.”
The municipality revealed the property is owned by Mr Magoo.
Dlamini said community members can report abandoned buildings through the municipality call centre or the local customer walk-in centres.
Family responds
The Benoni City Times spoke to Magoo’s son, Pradeep, who said they were still winding up the estate following the death of his parents about seven years ago.
Pradeep said during lockdown, the property was vandalised when it was operating as a panel beater business and a hall.
He said they rented out a section of the property but had to be vacated when tenants began recycling.
“We also suggested a waste skip to residents who had informed us that a recycling hub was exacerbating the dumping issue.
“The expensive machinery for manufacturing leather goods and wood-cutting machinery in the hall were stolen.
“We believe drug addicts stole everything. When we reported the matter to the police, they couldn’t assist us.
“When lockdown restrictions eased, we went to the property and were devastated to find our building in ruins – to the extent that the bricks had been knocked down. Neighbours witnessed the looting, but they remained mum.
“We also discovered youngsters from Patel Street and other parts of Actonville stayed in the ruined building.
“In an attempt to end such activities, we immediately arranged a tractor to demolish the remaining structure.
“A part of the building could not be demolished because of its solid construction and its proximity of neighbouring properties.”
Pradeep said before Covid-19 the property was well-maintained until residents began dumping their rubbish on the property and pavement.
“The site was cleaned every month and we had our phone number on the wall, offering a monetary reward for proof of illegal dumping. The problem has persisted.”
He said drug addicts now live at a house opposite the property.
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