Mystery man teargas wheelchair-bound and pregnant tenants

A house at 1 Rail Street Florida that is home to some 30 inhabitants was tear gassed by a man claiming to represent a property company.

The man allegedly arrived at the house on the morning of 29 October with paperwork from a property company called Crystal Ball Properties. The document informed the residents that the house had been purchased and stated clearly in bold letters that it was not an eviction order. After handing over the document, the man walked into the house and outside buildings spraying teargas. Some of those affected includes a three-month-old baby, an elderly man in a wheelchair, a very sick woman and a pregnant woman. The residents then approached Deputy Chairman Rupert September of the ANC’s Ward 70 branch to assist, who in return called the Record.

At the house there was still evidence left of the teargas canisters.

When the victims went to Florida Police Station, the SAPS refused to open a case on the grounds that the victims do not know the assailant . They were also told that the registration number is fraudulent.

The attacker is allegedly a large muscular white man with a moustache and military-style haircut. The vehicle he arrived in is a Land Rover with the registration BL48TL GP.

A representative from Crystal Ball Properties said admitted that they bought the house but said that they only start the eviction process after the house has been registered. The stated that they carry no knowledge of such a person and never instructed anyone to inform the tenants.

September said he is disappointed in Florida SAPS. According to him it is ridiculous that they do not want to open a docket because the assailant is not known to the victims.

“So are we supposed to know the criminals names and addresses before we can open a case. The police is vindictive to these residents because there are drug activity in the area and now the just assume these residents partake in these activities,” said September.