Anonymous, Rynfield, writes:

I have lived in Rynfield all my life and always loved the tranquillity of the area.

Lately, I have noticed that neighbours have become generally rude and inconsiderate.

There seems to have been an influx of new owners and renters who think it’s OK to blare the most distorted “music” at all hours of the night.

The volume seems to construe what taste in music can’t.

I’m currently listening to my windows rattle on a Sunday night at 22:35, and I watched a plant vibrate off the windowsill.

This idiot who moved in around December seems to do this every few weeks.

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I have phoned the police numerous times, who seem to be of no help at all.

We have gone to their front gate, and no one answers because I guess they can’t hear us over the noise he is making.

What do we do next, apart from literally throwing a brick through their window to get their attention?

Editor’s note: According to the City of Ekurhuleni’s website, you can report such contraventions to the city’s nearest Environmental Health offices for investigation and action. Loud music and the consumption of alcohol in public parks is only allowed in the case of organised events, whereby permission is granted by the city. The EMPD will enforce bylaws where no permission was obtained from the city. Even in residential areas, loud music that disturbs the peace is forbidden. At the city’s parks, security officers on duty report bylaw violations to the EMPD, and in residential areas, neighbours can also report to the metro police. However, conditions on the use of common property in a residential complex are covered by the Body Corporate Rules of the individual complex and are enforced by the Body Corporate, not the municipality. By playing loud music the following bylaw is in contravention: In terms of Sections 8 & 9, Part II of the Noise Control Regulations 1999, promulgated in terms of the Environment Conservation Act, 73 (Act 73 of 1989), as amended, “No person shall allow or permit a disturbing noise and noise nuisance to exist due to the loud playing of music on a premises.” Report noisy neighbours to the CoE’s call centre on 086 054 3000 or at the following offices during office hours: Northern Region on 011 999 5041/Eastern Region on 011 999 8489/Southern Region on 011 999 5988 or the Bylaws Compliance Centre on 011 999 3425.

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