City takes legal action against “noisy” church

Midrand resident, Kendrah Da Silva, said the church is allegedly renting the property from the owner who has moved from Midrand. “I have spoken to the pastor of the church who assured us at the beginning of the year that he had all the permissions necessary. As a community, we submitted affidavit objections to the City, but week after week the noise continues to disturb our peaceful Sundays. Sometimes we also get subjected to it during evening services or functions.”

Da Silva alleged that besides the noise, church attendees created traffic and chaos in the residential area. “They also utilise rented toilets and have no septic tank or sewerage connection,” she alleged.

Nkosinathi Nkabinde, communications officer for the City, said the planning law enforcement department has already investigated and has instituted rates and taxes to enforce a penalty, as the land is used contrary to its zoning. He added, “Legal action has been instituted in terms of the illegal land use of the property for a place of worship. Attorneys have sent out a letter of demand to be served by the sheriff to the owner. We are awaiting the sheriff to confirm the service.”

The City said the litigation process is very lengthy and does take time, so the matter will not be resolved in court quickly.

The pastor of the church refused to speak to Midrand Reporter or to address any allegations that the church is illegal and said the complaint is about noise. Midrand Reporter has seen SMSes where the pastor assured a resident that he has appointed sound specialists to measure decibels on a Sunday and to assist to permanently programme sound levels.

The City has also confirmed that a Town Planning Consent Application to regularise the illegal land use of a place of worship has been submitted. The application is still under evaluation with the town planner.

Also read Nightclub gives residents sleepless nights

To comment on this story go to the Midrand Reporter Facebook page