Residents of Norkem Park frustrated by noisy taverns

Norkem Park residents have raised concerns about the excessive noise and other issues from local taverns and pubs.

Two establishments named by the residents are The View Lifestyle and Corner 55.

Residents claim calls to the EMPD for assistance often go unanswered, with officers failing to respond or merely driving past.

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These actions have frustrated the community, especially because learners are preparing for their final exams.

Tasha Brady shared her distress, noting that attempts to address the issue have sometimes resulted in threats to the residents’ safety.

“We have tried messaging one of the tavern owners many times during late nights, pleading for them to reduce the noise, but they ignored our requests. These establishments have always been problematic,” she said.

Brady said the loud music often continues late into the night, not just on weekends but also on Thursdays and Mondays of long weekends.

“Broken bottles, excessive rubbish and car parts from accidents frequently surround the taverns. Incidents like stabbings and shootings, particularly in Tortelduif and Pongola Rivier drives, have become more common,” said Brady.

She added that drunk drivers damage municipal property like road signs.

“A Vumacam CCTV camera near The View Lifestyle was also reportedly destroyed. Gunshots, speeding cars and revving engines disturb us regularly. Tavern owners who have liquor licenses but lack proper business zoning rights terrorise residents,” said Brady.

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She also alleged that EMPD officers are compromised, pointing to instances when people saw EMPD vehicles being washed at an illegal car wash linked to The View Lifestyle.

“The EMPD must enforce the notice issued by City Planning to cease illegal land use and address illegal building extensions and noise violations. They must also stop accepting bribes in the form of car washes and meals,” she said.

Brady also accused the taverns of devaluing local properties, making it difficult for residents to sell their homes.

“The only solution is to shut them down to regain peace and our property values,” she added.

Joe Phoolo, the owner of The View Lifestyle, denied the allegations, describing the complaints as personal attacks.
“These complaints are unrelated to my business.

“All my documents are in order, and the South African Breweries would not supply alcohol if I was not compliant,” he said.

Corner 55 owner Nkosinathi Mpofu said his establishment has an open-door policy and a positive relationship with the community.

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“We are always willing to engage with residents about their concerns. We operate from Thursday to Sunday.

“We ensure our sound is kept at half capacity on Thursdays and Sundays. Our hours are shorter on those days, and we close at 02:00, as per our liquor license,” he said.

Mpofu added that the police and EMPD have checked his establishment but filed no cases regarding noise or fighting.

He encouraged residents to contact him directly with complaints, either in person or via his phone number, 062 090 2373.

The Kempton Express contacted the CoE for comment on November 8, requesting a response by midday on November 11. However, no reply was received by the time of publication.