Abandoned New Germany sites a haven for criminals
The frustrated residents feel that the abandoned sites are contributing to crime in the area.
NEW Germany residents are calling for urgent intervention from the eThekwini Municipality to clear the abandoned spaces on Keary Place which has turned into a thoroughfare for criminals.
A resident, Alfred Mthembu, who has lived in the area for the past 35 years, said he has tried, on numerous occasions, to locate the owner or get the municipality to clear the bush at least twice a year, but his attempts have proved futile.
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“I have been to the Environmental Health Department, Department of Parks and Recreation and even the Department of Human Settlements to no avail. Environmental health officials came to check on the situation some time back.
“They just stood outside and their response to the matter was that the bush is not infested. That really puzzled me as this place is infested, not just with rats and snakes, but with criminals,” said a concerned Mthembu.
He said what concerns him the most is the bush overlooks several houses in the area and residents have often seen people loitering in the bush looking at the houses.
“The crime in the area is increasing and the bush makes it easy for criminals to gain entry into our homes. We pay rates and its so sad that no one is willing to address this matter,” he said.
According to Mthembu, there is a visible footpath in the bush. “When there is a break-in, patrollers respond and most of the time, the suspects run into this bush. We always find different items hidden here. Once, we even recovered a bed,” said the frustrated resident.
Mthembu said he has also tried to trim the trees.
“Branches are hanging on to people’s roofs which makes it easy for criminals to jump onto properties, and for snakes to make their way onto roofs.”
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Another resident, Matthew Buthelezi, said many years ago, there were rumours that low cost housing was going to built on these sites.
Buthelezi said as residents they are just appealing to the municipality to maintain the place.
“Surely, the owner of this place should be held accountable for this, if there is one,” he said.
Another resident who stays in a nearby complex said the fence on the side of the bush has also been damaged.
Apart from the issue of vagrants, thieves and snakes, Musa Dube said he feared the worst.
“The leaves and grass are becoming dry. If one of the vagrants start a fire and it blows towards the houses, people will be left homeless and who will be responsible for the damage? Must the worse happen before they take this issue seriously?” asked Dube.
eThekwini Municipality did not respond to questions at the time of going to print.
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