Looming squatters
MEADOWHURST – Residents fear that if more squatters move into the quiet neighbourhood, their property values will decline.
The undeveloped space on the corner of Jacaranda Avenue and Hornbill Road has become a cause for concern as residents have spotted a few vagrants moving into the area.
“I saw some people about a month ago. They came inside and they were passing things under the first. I saw them again last week,” said resident Anthony Channing.
A number of shacks can be seen in the area.
“I think this is ridiculous because it will devalue people’s property. Once they move in we can’t get them out,” said Channing.
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau said he has reported the matter to JMPD.
“We are worried they would start putting up shacks everywhere. I am trying to organise that they move because we cannot allow invasion of land as that land is privately owned,” said Bittkau.
Agreeing with Bittkau, Channing said, “something has to be done urgently because we might end up having another Zandspruit here which is something we don’t want. The crime will go up and it won’t be safe anymore”.
Bittkau added that if people are allowed to stay in such conditions for more than 24 hours it becomes difficult to remove them.
JMPD’s spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar is yet to release a statement on the matter.
