For the resident around an old, derelict, semi-detached house on Human Street, Luipaardsvlei, life has become a fight for survival.
The house has been unoccupied for almost two years, but criminals in the area have taken this as an invitation to move in.
Neighbours said prostitutes, drug addicts, drug dealers and gang member live in the house and use it to conduct their shady business.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/270341/there-is-life-after-sivewright/
Kirsten Tiedeken, who lives in the other half of the semi-detached house, said she is afraid to go outside, and when she does she locks up everything behind her.
On Sunday 20 January, she noticed that her gate had been tampered with. Knowing about the regular break-ins around her she was careful when she took out her rubbish bin on Wednesday, 23 January.
She locked the doors to her house behind her, she locked the gate to the courtyard and she put the panic button around her neck – just to take out the rubbish.
“Just as I was outside my yard, I felt a hand grabbing my throat,” she said.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/290170/blue-lights-lit-up-sivewright-in-crime-stop-efforts/
The man beat her, tried to choke her, put his fist in her mouth and tried to grab her tongue, but Kirsten fought back and after managing to push the panic button the man left; but not before threatening her.
“You are dead, you f*****g b***h,” were his last words.
She said she recognised the man because he lives in the empty house.
Other neighbours said they too are very careful and afraid, one of them saying that she once saw a man jumping into her yard. She had to pepper-spray him to get him to leave. This happens quite often; trespassers passing through their yards.
This woman does not carry pepper spray anymore, but takes her firearm with her when she goes out to water her plants.
There are numerous other similar accounts, but one thing is certain, the residents around the old house are fed up.
Tiedeken’s mom had been living in the house for 52 years and they are renovating it. Another woman is trying to fix up her parents’ house. These are family homes and the people have been living in them for many years.
“When things get hot on Sivewright Street, the criminals hang out in this house until the dust settles,” explained Kirsten.
“When someone in the street relocates and the house is left empty for more than one night, it is broken into and all the light fittings, taps, pipes – everything that can be stolen – are removed,” a resident, who wants to stay anonymous, told the News.
They said they have tried to contact the owner, but on the rare occasion they were able to speak to him or his family, they were told there was nothing they could do.
He visited the house once and chased away the squatters, but as soon as he turned his back, they returned.
“We want the owner to do something; by doing nothing he is putting our lives at risk,” said Tiedeken.
The News has requested comment from the local police and the owner’s son, and is awaiting their response.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
