GALLERY: Dilapidated house in Rosettenville Extension causes upset

“We are fed up with the occupants of this house who continue to wreck the property, have no respect for others who live on this road and live in squalor,” said a few of the residents who have homes on Toby Lane.

The burnt and derelict house which poses a threat to residents who live on Toby Lane, Rosettenville Ext, with its misplaced occupants.

RESIDENTS of Toby Lane, Rosettenville Extension, have recently complained about a house that is in total disrepair and has become a magnet for illegal activity.

“We are fed up with the occupants of this house who continue to wreck the property, have no respect for others who live on this road and live in squalor,” said a few of the residents who have homes on Toby Lane.

“We feel if we ever wanted to put our homes up for sale, we’d never get buyers. Who would want to live so close to this eyesore? Not to mention the distasteful occupants.

“The house used to be really lovely, but after a fire in November 2016 it was never fixed. We’ve no idea what has happened to the owner of the house, and since then it’s been occupied by many people who have totally wrecked it.

“We have complained to our local councillor, but feel nothing is being done to rectify this problem.”

The CHRONICLE contacted the councillor of Ward 56, Michael Crichton, for comment.

“The house at 9 Toby Lane, Rosettenville Ext, is a fairly tragic story as it was a beautiful house before it burnt down close to three years ago. Following the fire, the onus was going to be on the owner to have it fixed or refurbished.

“Sadly, a few years down the line this has not happened, in spite of the owner receiving notices from Building Control, Environmental Health and EMS.

“What has happened instead is that the dilapidated stand has attracted unsavoury elements. I have been there with both the SAPS and the JMPD, and we have found that the stand is currently inhabited by misplaced people who are living in absolute squalor and the stand is full of what appears to be stolen goods.

“One evening, I came across a young woman who claimed to be a victim of human trafficking and was being held hostage there. I was, fortunately, able to get her to a shelter that provided safety.

“This property was referred to Gen Shadrack Sibiyas, City of Joburg Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS), for investigation on April 5, 2018, as it is now deemed to be a hijacked property.

“It is scary to see how problematic a property can become once it has burned down. I plead with all property owners to please take good care of their properties and to act quickly if the house has burnt down or a similar disaster takes place.

“We will keep on engaging with GFIS to find a solution to this property,” said Crichton.

The residents also said one of the streetlights on the road isn’t working properly and poses a danger, leaving the road partially unlit during the night. Crichton added: “It was reported on June 24, 2019, (reference number CPWEB2485547). The turnaround time for a streetlight is between nine and 14 days. I will keep on following up with the streetlight team at City Power.”

GALLERY: