Slumlord takes off after seeing officials inspecting the build that he hijacked in Coronationville. Residents from the area were constantly complaining about a problem property in the neighbourhood and a small part of their complaints have been dealt with.
According to Naazim Kajee, Urban Inspector for Ward 69, it was the complaints of the residents and the approval of Ward Councillor Genevieve Sherman that set the Integrated Visible Service Delivery (IVSD) operation into motion.
“I did investigations and compiled evidence so that we could deal with the property. The property has been owing revenue of over R200 000, there were illegal electricity connections, I believe that there was overcrowding, it is a hijacked building and the estate is a deceases’ property.
“We then organised a meeting and discussed the problems and the issues of the property. We then set a date to come out and settle the issues,” explained Kajee.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) the South African Police Services (SAPS), Environmental Health, Emergency Health Services, Building Control, Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Delivery, Planning Control, City Power and Joburg Water all worked together in this operation.
There was a fire in that building not so long ago and the structure of the building is actually a danger with regard to its standing. The team also found that there is spray painting, panel beating that is being practised on the property.
“Unfortunately, when we searched the property today, that section was closed off but we will be back to do another search. We believe that in the space at the back of the property, there were people who used the space for drugs.
“There is a gentleman who is putting people on this property and he is collecting rent. This slumlord came and drove away almost immediately,” added Kajee.
There are people who are currently living in the property but as Kajee explained that they could not evict those people, he said that they were not out to put people out into the streets and also, they had no eviction letter to do so, therefore, this matter must be taken to court in order to get the occupants out.
“Joburg Water did a level 3 cut and water block on the water supply. City power did a level 3 cut and block the electricity and removed the cables.
“The dog unit of the SAPS then went in to go search the property, fortunately, there was no narcotics found on the property. Environmental health inspected the premises,” said Kajee.
The operation took place on January 25. From the present moment, the property will be under the supervision and the team will be back to finish off the job.
