AN increasing number of vacant Empangeni homes are becoming havens for criminal elements, as well as being systematically stripped of any content of cash value.
One such house on Moberly Street, which has been vacant for almost a year, has become an eye sore as vagrants and suspected criminals come and go, leaving destruction in their wake.
In the presence of Empangeni SAPS members, the Zululand Observer took a tour of the dilapidated home.
In the garage, the floor is littered with a pile of old, dismantled cellphones, while an old bath lay discarded in overgrown brush behind the garage.
The outer facade is dismal, casting a dark shadow on the neighbouring homes.
‘Our main concern is that is has become a haven for criminals,’ said a neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous.
‘About once a week vagrants come and sleep there. It is a problem because we are all worried about what will happen to us who live close by.’
It is believed opportunistic criminals are using the house to gain access to surrounding homes.
Despite the remains of what appears to be stolen property littered throughout the house, no obvious signs of drug usage could be found.
Love thy neighbour
Andrè de Lange, Ward 23 councillor, said the best way to confront this problem would be to report the situation on a regular basis to the SAPS.
‘If the criminal activity is reported on a regular basis the police will monitor the area more regularly,’ he said.
The overgrown grass is an issue that would have to be reported to the municipality, who will then issue a notice to the home owner to take action.
‘Usually, if nothing is done within 30 days, the municipality will send someone to cut the grass, and bill the owner,’ he said.
A man who was believed to be the current owner of the property said the house had been sold some time ago.
He was not forthcoming with comment on the current condition of the home or the fact that it was potentially a haven for criminal activity.
@kcowan23
PHOTOS: KYLE COWAN
