Craigpark bowling club under investigation

CRAIGPARK – Concerns about alleged irregular activities taking place at Craighall Park Bowling Club have been raised by Ward councillor Gordon Mackay and the Johannesburg Bowls Association.

Mackay said he had received reports over several months that several people had moved into the club, and that it had been suspected prostitution and the illegal sale of alcohol was taking place.

“These are serious allegations, and I asked the Johannesburg Property Company to investigate these allegations in February,” said Mackay.

Johannesburg Bowls Association president Anselm McLean’s concerns were more about the sport the club ought to be dedicated to.

“The club no longer has a bowls team, and isn’t actually a bowls club anymore. If the association is able to get involved, we could revive it,” he said.

Mackay said that, from his perspective, the key issue was that the club was put out to tender in February this year, despite the current manager holding a lease that was allegedly valid for five more years.

“The property company have yet to confirm whether the lease is valid or whether the tender that was put out was valid. I’ve heard conflicting reports from the company. One said the lease was valid, the other said the company had not resolved anything regarding the lease or the tender,” he said.

Property company spokesperson Brian Mahlangu said the company’s regional managers visited the club and found “some activities on the property that were contrary to the lease agreement”.

“The leaseholder and the current lessee don’t seem to be the same person, and it was evident that there were people residing in the club building even though it is not for residential purposes,” said Mahlangu.

He said the company would further investigate the matter before taking action which could include, but would not be limited to, obtaining an eviction order, cancelling the lease or holding the lessee in contravention of the lease agreement.

“We will do a follow-up with all relevant stakeholders, and then will be in a better position to communicate the way forward and the course of action to be taken,” he said.

Thompson said he would comment once he had met with property company officials.