Unused municipal facility becomes crime scene
Instead of being a community asset, the unused buildings near the old taxi rank adjacent to Station Street in Oberholzer have become a crime generator.
Although the municipality renovated the buildings in the past decade, it never used them for their intended purpose. A fire damaged the structures about three years ago, and numerous homeless people now live there. Two occupants were asleep at approximately 03:45 on Sunday when they suddenly awoke to someone at their door.
An unknown Sotho-speaking man stormed into their room and demanded drugs or -money.
When the residents said they did not have any, he shot them both in the leg.
The police are investigating two cases of attempted murder.
Following this incident, the Herald asked the Merafong City Local Municipality about their long-term plans with these buildings and whether they had considered demolishing them.
“The Municipal Council resolved to alienate the property to a private company in 2021.
“The process has to be finalised so the purchaser can start developing the property for business purposes,” the municipal spokesperson responded.
