BEN Keyser, from Kempton Park Ext Two writes:
I live in Kempton Park Extension Two . For five years I have been in a constant battle with the police about the noise problem from surrounding shebeens.
The biggest problem is the low frequency from massive “sub woofers” in music centres and vehicles. and lately a church in 25 North Rand Street, with their PA systems every night.
I sit in my living room, sometimes with headphones on, and no matter how high the volume, you can still hear and feel the low frequency sounds. It often continues until 3am and 4am.
At Christmas time, as now, it is not uncommon for it to continue 24/7.
The police call centre takes the call, and “sends out vehicles”. Yet nothing happens (I have a list of references).
The second or third time I call, calls are simply not answered (Caller ID). Try to call from a private number – even less chance that they answer it.
On Friday night, out of desperation, I asked “Simon” in the call centre if I would be forced to take action on my own, since the police would not help.
He was quick to let me understand they would arrest me without hesitation.
In other words, while the noise that I complain about is illegal under the metro’s by-laws, they would rather wait until I take action , and then act against me!
Would it be because that would be less work and an easier case to prosecute?
I have stopped calling last year (my wife still calls) and started sending SMSes to mobile phones in the patrol vehicles.
The only purpose for me is to keep record of my complaints, since the call centre often cannot recall the calls, even with their reference at hand.
Once again, out of desperation, I added four senior officers’ numbers to the list . Again – an SMS is a record.
On Saturday morning, around 0:30am, somebody from Kempton Police Station called me to say they were at the noise and it was quiet.
At the same time I was inside my house, recording the noise on my cell!
I have, on many occasions, invited the authorities to come to my house before they go to the complaint, to experience first-hand what I live with. That has not happened once.
Please, it seems all that is left is go as public as possible.
I am trying to sell this property, but until that happy day arrives I still have to live here.
It is enough to drive any sane person insane.
In the day it is the taxis’ beat boxes at the school picking up children (I work from home); beat-boxes so loud that the glasses tinkle in my cupboards!
And, when that quiets down, the shebeens and the church start to unpack the sound equipment.
Can someone/anyone please help me urgently? Before the holiday begins in all earnest? I have my hands in my hair (because plugs in my ears do not help) – I do not know where to turn to for help.
A spokesperson from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality replied: “A statutory notice has been issued to the registered owner of Haward College/Church on 25 North Rand Road, Kempton Park, requesting them to eliminate the noise nuisance.
“A noise study will be undertaken to set noise mitigation requirements within 30 to 60 days.
“Shebeens in townships and residential premises should be prohibited under the Town Planning Scheme, therefore the matter has been referred to the City Planning Department.
“Massive ‘sub woofers’ in music centres and vehicles – this matter has been referred to the EMPD to assist under the noise bylaws and take immediate action.
“A statutory notice has been issued to the registered owner of the African Crusade restaurant on North Rand Road, requesting them to eliminate the noise nuisance as well.
“A noise study will also be undertaken to set noise mitigation requirements within 30 to 60 days.
“The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality will monitor the situation together with EMPD officials. “
