An alleged drug dealer and notorious man was recently evicted from an Albertville home as residents decided to claim back their streets.
A house on Tucker Street had greatly depreciated as a result of drug dealing and caused residents to worry about the value of their homes and the safety of their families.
Residents came together and started a community patrol to monitor drug running and housebreakings in the area.
The residents found a connection between the Tucker Street home and various alleged drug spots in Albertville.
According to a concerned resident (Amanda Taylor*) who wants to remain anonymous for the fear of reprisal, the homeowners of the home in question were unable to keep up with the payments and were declared insolvent.
“The owner’s nephew came with his wife and four children in September 2013 to occupy the house, when the owners moved to Durban because the bank had taken the house back and we discovered he was a drug dealer,” said Taylor.
According to Taylor, the nephew began subletting the property to various tenants.
With the various tenants, another known drug dealer allegedly moved into the property with prostitutes.
“He subdivided the house and there were about 20 people on average living in the house. I know some of them were prostitutes because I have seen them on the streets doing their work before.”
According to Taylor, the nephew admitted he was on drugs and residents became concerned.
“He and his friends would sit next to the wall and smoke drugs during the day. Dirt began piling up because there was no cleaning in the house yet so many people stayed there. We knew we had to do something.”
Residents worked together and managed to get the bank to evict him.
“When he discovered that he was about to be evicted, he tried to sell the house for R20 000 but failed. When the house was being cleaned by the bank we found various types of drugs and a piece of paper with the prices of the different drugs,” she said.
According to Taylor, it is vital to take note of who is living next to you to ensure safety.
“When this man was in this area I was never able to sleep at night because I was scared of what might happen with all the activity that was going on in that home.”
Taylor said residents of Albertville want to claim back their streets and parks so they can walk and live without fear.
“We feel safer now that he is gone.”
