Two mini-substations were vandalised and burnt at Uthingo Park recently leaving approximately 250 homes without electricity on a cold winter’s night.
Upon investigation, Emalahleni Housing Company (EHC) personnel and police officers were given names of protestors directly involved in the vandalism by angry tenants who are growing weary of damage that is being done at Uthingo Park and inconveniencing paying tenants and their families.
A reward of R50 000 is now being offered by EHC for concrete information and evidence that will lead to arrests.
According to EHC the very same protestors are also vandalising empty units and connecting electricity illegally. “This modus operandi is an indication of organised crime by one group of hooligans who are disrupting the lives of law-abiding citizens and violating their basic human rights,” reads a statement from EHC.
EHC wishes to call upon all tenants at Uthingo Park to join forces with them in their efforts to bring stability to the complex.
“As the rights of those who are not paying rentals are respected until the courts decide, the same rights apply for those who are paying rental, and should not be violated.” EHC said.
EHC, who are the managing agents of the complex, indicated that they have security on-site, but urge tenants and anyone else with information to come forward and to stand up for their own safety and security.
EHC wishes to assure tenants of Uthingo Park that it is doing everything in its power to resolve issues; and even though the wheels of justice turn slowly, the process of resolving the matter is gaining momentum and in a space of time, the complex will be back to normal.
EHC has filed for mass eviction in High Court and a date is awaited for the matter to be heard.
The Rental Tribunal is also on course again after lockdown; and there are currently 86 matters going for mediation, with 43 warrants of execution already issued.
A case has been opened at Witbank Police Station regarding the vandalism with case number CAS443/6/2020. Any information can be provided to Constable J.T. Nkuna.
