SOPHIATOWN – Sophiatown Police have denied that residents have complained about the notorious 10A property.
“The police are aware of the concerns from the public and more so the residents of Westdene regarding the house at 10A 2nd Avenue Westdene. However, the Sophiatown police have not received any formal written complaints regarding the house.”
This is what the spokesperson of Sophiatown Police Station Captain TJ de Bruyn said when asked about the property in question. He stated that the police were made aware of the property due to their engagement with the local Community Policing Forum and community leaders and role players. This pushed the police to regard the property as a hotspot and they have conducted raids with success on numerous occasions.
De Bruyn explained what their participation over 10A is, “The police’s role is solely crime-related and any further inquiries regarding the eviction of tenants and health and safety should be reverted to the City of Johannesburg.”
Although the police station holds this position they believe they have gone above their involvement in the issue by referring the matter to relevant authorities. De Bruyn said, “Sophiatown police together with various role players such as the Department of Housing and the City of Johannesburg have conducted regular raids at the premises and the City and housing department, as well as the Department of Health and Safety, are aware of the situation as well as the challenges.”
The captain would like to encourage residents with complaints sbout the property to report to them. He said, “We appeal to the public to be vigilant and to report any form of suspicious behaviour or persons to the police.”
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No arrests made by Sophiatown police following the raid of Westdene’s notorious 10A property
