Residents living in the vicinity of a vacant plot of land in Brakpan Central are plagued by crime, pollution, overgrown vegetation that obstructs visibility at nearby corners, and open drug use.

It is all reportedly linked to the neglected property bordered by Germains, High and Hamilton avenues.

One resident reported that all the pipes and metal fittings had been stolen from his house. He attributed the theft to the nearby vacant property, which he claims is used as a hiding place by criminals.

Another resident, who suffers from a chest condition, raised concerns about suspected cable thieves burning the insulation off stolen cables.

The resulting thick black smoke reportedly drifts into neighbouring homes, affecting residents’ health.

Smashed television screens can be seen in one corner of the open area. Residents believe they were discarded by thieves who stripped the televisions for valuable scrap components before abandoning the damaged screens.

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Used needles and condoms, along with alleged public drug use and sexual activity, also raise concerns for neighbouring families with young children and what they are exposed to.

In addition, turning two of the corners of the area is exceedingly dangerous, as the view is obstructed by the overgrown weeds and grass, which also contributes to crime by being a perfect hiding spot for criminals.

The City of Ekurhuleni indicated that the property is owned by the Department of Infrastructure Development, which was then approached for comment on June 28.

The department was again approached for comment after no response on July 1, at which point the Herald was referred to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The department spokesperson, Lennox Mabaso, was asked when the department acquired the property, what the intended purpose is, and if the department intends to address the overgrown state and crime complaints.

“The property was acquired by the state in 1964 for a government domestic accommodation function. The property is no longer required for its original purpose and is consequently being considered as a non-core state asset,” said Mabaso in a reply received on July 17.

“The department intends to consider the property for disposal as part of its broader programme to release non-core state-owned properties.

“Since taking office, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has consistently emphasised that public assets must serve the public good.

“Where state-owned properties are idle, unused or no longer required for service delivery, the Minister has instructed the department to accelerate processes to sell, lease or otherwise release them for productive use.

“This approach is intended to prevent unused properties from becoming an ongoing financial burden on the state, while also reducing the risk of vandalism, unlawful occupation and criminal activity that can negatively affect surrounding communities.

“The department is therefore finalising a disposal strategy and implementation framework to guide the release of non-core state assets in a transparent, lawful and financially responsible manner.

“Once this process has been finalised, individual properties will be assessed and processed in accordance with the applicable property-management, valuation, approval and procurement requirements.

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“No specific disposal or development date can therefore be confirmed for the Hamilton Avenue property at this stage.”

Asked about the overgrown weeds and maintenance of the property, Mabaso said: “The department takes the concerns regarding overgrown vegetation and the potential road-safety risk seriously.

“A request has been referred to the department’s facilities management unit for the property to be inspected and for the necessary vegetation clearing and clean-up work to be prioritised.

“The department has also requested that arrangements be considered for the continued maintenance of the property to prevent the vegetation from again becoming overgrown.”

With regard to the crime concerns, Mabaso stated the department is concerned by the serious allegations of criminal activity reportedly taking place on or around the property, including drug-related activity, the handling of suspected stolen infrastructure and the use of the site by individuals allegedly fleeing law-enforcement officers or private security personnel.

“The investigation and prevention of criminal activity fall within the mandate of SAPS and the EMPD. The department encourages residents to continue reporting criminal incidents to the relevant law-enforcement authorities so that they can be investigated and acted upon,” Mabaso continued.

“A request has furthermore been submitted to the department’s security services unit for an urgent security risk assessment of the site.

“The assessment will consider the reported criminal activity, the condition of the property, possible access-control measures and the most appropriate steps to improve the safeguarding of the site.

“In the interim, the planned clearing of the overgrown vegetation should improve visibility across the property and reduce the areas that may currently provide concealment.

“The reported challenges at the property further demonstrate why the Minister has prioritised the release of idle and unused state assets.

“Properties that no longer serve a government purpose should not be allowed to deteriorate, drain public resources or become a source of insecurity for neighbouring communities.”