Vandalism leaves a bad taste
Once renowned for serving some of the best quality fast food on the East Rand, the roadhouse is now sadly nothing more than a filthy, empty shell.
It has taken less than a month for the vacated Casbah Roadhouse premises to fall victim to vagrants and vandals.
The Herald reported on the closure of the famous Brakpan roadhouse in the February 7 edition, ‘A local landmark gone‘.
Operating since 1955, the Casbah Roadhouse officially closed its doors at the end of January and a decision was made to move the iconic sign to other premises.
The Casbah Roadhouse was for many years a popular gathering place for young and old, and many Brakpan residents, as well as visitors from all over the country, have fond memories of the local eatery.
The building is no longer a place for creating happy memories, but rather the stuff of nightmares.
READ: Casbah serves up good memories
Since its closure it has become a haven for vandals and vagrants.
A visit to the premises by the Herald on Tuesday morning revealed its deplorable state.
Smashed glass and broken signage boards litter the floor and a putrid odour fills the building.
Herald reporters were unable to withstand the stomach-churning smell of the fly-infested lavatories, and there is evidence that people are urinating and defecating inside the building.
The property has also been stripped of anything of value, from light fittings and water taps, to a section of the white picket fence bordering the parking area.
There are also indications that someone is sleeping inside the building and the Herald found a dirty mattress and a candle wedged into a glass bottle.
While not as squalid as the conditions downstairs, the first floor is also in an appalling state.
An unknown substance coats the stairs and the ceiling boards have been ripped out in some of the rooms.
MORE PHOTOS: Casbah Roadhouse building vandalised
Once renowned for serving some of the best quality fast food on the East Rand, the roadhouse is now sadly nothing more than a filthy, empty shell.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za
or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:
Follow us:
