Abandoned property becomes magnet for criminals

An abandoned house in Bordeaux South has brought in elements of crime to the surrounding houses with two incidents in the last month as proof of its danger to the community.

According to Bordeaux South Resident’s Association chairperson Elinor Bodinger, it was possible that vagrants occupying the property which belongs to Tebogo Pooe, were the people who committed those crimes.

Bodinger’s concern was the lack of maintenance by Pooe to ensure that it was not a target for criminal activity by having the perimeter secured. The association took matters into their own hands and asked City Parks to help them clean up the property.

“We take pride in our suburb, and Pooe has given it a bad face by not taking care of his property. The Bordeaux South Resident’s Association could take legal action against him, but I asked them that we approach him amicably before we go that route,” said Bodinger.

Ward 102 councillor David Potter responded, “The owner has not been in touch with me, and I do not think that the owner has been in touch with the residents. The City of Joburg needs to step up and take legal action against property owner. The property bylaw needs to be effected so that the City has a bylaw which can be used against transgressing property owners. This property is one of many in my ward that have caused problems, and the City continues to fail in their duty to provide enforcement.”

Tebogo Pooe said Bodinger did indeed address the issues she had with his property. “I do not stay in the property but have promised the resident’s association that I will organise a team to come and clean up the property in the next month, and in the very near future I will also have a fence put up on the property to prevent the homeless and criminals from using it.

”I sympathise with my neighbours and other residents, and apologise for neglecting the property, I am working towards fixing that,” said Pooe.