Hobo’s sell zol, make fires at unfinished house
An unfinished house where construction work was abandoned or on-hold in Garnet Street, Extension 18, is being occupied by homeless people who burn garbage and play loud music, and neighbours say the disturbance has created an unsafe environment.
According to a resident who asked not to be named due to safety concerns, the house was built about nine years ago and the owner is not known or nowhere to be found.
“Hobo’s have invaded the property and are a nuisance to everyone who stays in this area.
They sell zol and are very unapproachable. We pay our rates and taxes but these people just come here and stay for free.
They keep the yard dirty and disturb us every night. A lot of people suspect them of being behind crime in our area.
We’ve informed the municipality and even spoke to the Councillor but nothing is being done. Please help us,” pleaded the resident.
The resident stated that the homeless staying in the house were handed an eviction letter more than two weeks ago, and they were supposed to vacate the premises on 31 May 2016.
“They have not vacated the property and are still living there,” the resident said.
Upon inspection of the property, the Middelburg Observer was told by one of the hobo’s that he has permission to live there.
“This house belongs to my brother who stays in Verena. He told me that I can live here,” the man said. He refused to give his name.
Cllr Ammelia Struwig of the DA, who is ward councillor for Extension 18, said that she is aware of the residents complaints and has been taking action to help alleviate the disturbance and eradicate it completely.
“I have made a submission to the municipality regarding the unfinished house, and this has been handed to the relevant department, including that of Mr Mishack Mahamba of the Town Planning Department,” Cllr Struwig said.
“I’ve also made contact with the Police regarding this matter. The Sector Police has been advised exactly what’s going on in that area, and I’ve also spoken to CPF Chairperson Rehana Pilodia.
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I’ve been told that they are busy with an operation in the area and that I do not have to worry about it,” she said. “I am definitely following it up but my hands are tied until the Police and the municipality react to my reports”.
Until then, residents fear that the situation could spiral out of control and reach a point of no return.
Some fear that residents could take the law into their own hands and forcefully evict the hobo’s.
“We are pleading with the municipality and the Police to help us, otherwise we will have no choice but to do it ourselves”, the resident said.
