Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba visited Brixton and Westdene to attend to a number of hijacked and bad properties within the areas
Can Mashaba's intervention bear fruit?
On March 12, Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba participated in multi-disciplinary #BuyaMthetho operation within Region B intended to assist with bylaw enforcement within the area.
The focus was on the areas of Brixton and Westdene. Mashaba visited a number of hijacked and so-called bad properties which community members had raised concerns about within the areas.
“Indeed, one of the properties has issues dating back to 2009 and it has been continually raided since, with various matters being directed to the owner. Without fail, the six properties identified today, including the infamous 10A in Westdene appear to have all been hijacked, with the slum lords benefiting from residents living in inhumane conditions within the properties.”
“Indeed, I am advised that three of the properties are said to belong to a single individual who continues to not only evade taking responsibility for the properties but also consistently evaded our policing authorities.
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It is alleged that he owns 60 other properties within the City which are in a similar condition. Cumulatively, the properties forming part of today’s operation are said to owe the City in excess of R5 million,” said Mashaba.
Following the visit to the area, the mayor has instructed the City to begin investigating the process for expropriating these properties for the purpose of ensuring that they are developed into affordable, safe and quality accommodation for some of our poorest residents.
Indeed, some of these properties are located close to institutions of learning within the City and would ideally serve as quality affordable accommodation for students.
“In addition, I have requested that the City, including our Department of Social Development, working together with JMPD, SAPS, and immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs, conduct an audit of persons living within the identified properties.
“It is vital that we profile occupants living in these buildings and ensure that support is provided to those most in need.
“Ultimately, it is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements such as slum landlords who take advantage of desperate people and house them under deplorable conditions. I want to see rundown buildings turned into quality-low cost housing for our residents,” concluded the mayor.
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