WINDSOR RENTAL BOYCOTT: Cases will be investigated
WINDSOR EAST / WINDSOR WEST – Linden police are investigating various cases opened at the station regarding the Windsor Community Recovery Movement.
Linden Police Station services the Windsor East and Windsor West community and, as a result, plays a big role in the protection of its residents.
Because of allegations of illegal behaviour and criminal intent against the Windsor Community Recovery Movement (WCRM), relevant community stakeholders feel Linden police need to step up.
The movement, however, is of the opinion that the police should be fighting harder to curb criminal activity in the area.
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Randburg Sun spoke to Linden Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Zaieed Musthan about allegations made against the movement, as well as cases laid by the movement.
He explained that the station became aware of the existence of the movement in June this year.
Q. How many cases of intimidation have been laid by landlords, property agents or tenants against the WCRM?
At this stage, this [station] has one case of intimidation that [was] opened against the WCRM on 20 June.
The matter is still under investigation.
Q. Have the police investigated allegations of vandalisation of property?
At present [we] have identified two other cases that have been opened against the WCRM, namely one case of malicious damage to property and contempt of court.
There are an additional four cases being investigated against one of the members associated with the group; malicious damage to property; two thefts and a trespassing case that could be associated to the WCRM. He was arrested on three of these cases and all these cases are still before the court.
This [station] wishes to state that an agent for one of the properties was also arrested for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.
Q. There have been rumours of intimidation, are the police aware of this?
Rumours of intimidation have been brought to the attention of this [station] by the landlords. Unfortunately [we] can only address intimidation if the complainant registers a case docket.
Q. If it is illegal for the WCRM to collect rental payments that don’t belong to them, why have individuals not been arrested?
No cases were opened in regard to the WCRM illegally collecting rentals. Should such cases be opened, the station will address them accordingly. It must be pointed out that [we] will only address criminal issues and not civil matters.
In such matters, proper investigations will be done before a decision is made to effect an arrest.
Q. What is the process of investigating cases like this so that the community is aware?
The process for investigating cases of this nature is as follows … Firstly all elements of the crime must be present. All witness statements and evidence must be obtained.
The warning statement of the perpetrator must be obtained.
And finally, the docket must then be placed before the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision.
Q. Are police present at evictions? Does this fall under your jurisdiction?
The SAPS will only be present at evictions at the request of the sheriff [of the court] and only to ensure that no criminal act is committed during the process.
They will not be involved in the actual eviction process and will only assist in the jurisdiction of the station area.
Evictions and the legality thereof are regulated by the Rental Housing Act.
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