Wishart Street home continues to pose threats as three are arrested
Three arrests were made at 23 Wishart Street as the abandoned house continues to pose a risk for residents.
The abandoned house at 23 Wishart Street still poses a serious safety and security risk to residents in the Krugersdorp North area.
For some time, the house was a cause of great concern for the community as criminal activity and substance abuse are a regular occurrence not to mention the other health risks remaining a challenge.
Councillor Mark Trump said in June 2023 that a resident reported tampering with water and electricity meters leading to an investigation by the municipality’s credit control department. It was then discovered that the property owed a substantial amount of money to the municipality and had been cut off.
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He added the responsible teams from Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) removed illegal electrical and water connections.
“However, the issues persisted. In October 2023, power and water were restored but the account remained unpaid and the tenants continued to tamper with the meters. MCLM performed a removal of infrastructure to prevent further illegal connections,” he pointed out.
Trump said the community came together to address the situation.
“I held a street meeting in May 2024 to discuss concerns including, among others, substance abuse and disturbance of the peace. The matter was escalated to the relevant departments including the police.”
Trump explained there are squatters on the property due to its complicated ownership with no single person taking responsibility.
“It is registered as a company on Mogale’s billing system but despite efforts to contact the owners, no one has taken responsibility for the property as yet,” he explained.
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“The situation has led to serious health risks with the property’s plumbing system releasing waste into the yard affecting adjacent neighbours. The tenants have also been disposing of their faeces into plastic bags and throwing them onto the sidewalk. We have worked with Public Safety, the West Rand District Health inspectors and police to address the matter. An operation was then conducted on November 4, 2024, and notices were issued. However, without knowing the owner or responsible person, these notices cannot be effectively enforced,” he expressed.
Trump continued that the community has since come together to clean the property and find alternative residences for those squatting in the house.
“In the recent weeks, there have been three successful arrests at the property from outstanding warrants to drug possession. It’s deeply concerning that the individuals who had been occupying the property are struggling with drug addiction, which has contributed significantly to their current situation. Fortunately, the community has come together to provide them with alternative living arrangements, offering a safer environment to help them and hoping they can overcome their challenges,” he revealed.
Trump has since urged the owner(s) to come forward and take responsibility for the property, settle the outstanding account and clean up the property.
“We are committed to finding a resolution to this ongoing issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community,” Trump concluded.
