Alleged abandoned JCP building used as a drug den in Halfway House, litter piles up
The building previously used as a library, is now a drug den and illegal dumping on the side.
An abandoned building in Halfway House belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) allegedly being used as a drug den has now become a site to dump rubbish.
This was revealed at the Halfway House Development Forum’s (HHDF) first meeting of the year on February 4. The building first came to the attention of the community at the Midrand Community Policing Forum’s public meeting in March last year.
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The building, which was previously used as a library, is situated on South Street opposite the Boulders taxi rank.
A community member, who requested not to be named for fear of victimisation by the alleged drug lords, claimed, “The trading of drugs has been happening for some time at the derelict JPC building across from the taxi rank that has been hijacked by drug users.” The resident also claimed that there had been several fatalities at the property as a result of overdoses.
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“It was previously used as a library and it’s sad to see many nyaopes [drug addicts] there, and it seems like there is no action from the authorities. The kids are injecting themselves and getting intoxicated.”
In the article, Place of Learning now a den of destruction [Week ending 19 April 2024], JPC spokesperson Lucky Sindane confirmed that the entity owned the building and that it was out on tender.
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When contacted for a current update on the tender process and the state of the building, Sindane said, “The team is still working on finalising the process. The JPC is in no position to deal with drug dealers. Please refer the question to the [relevant authorities].”
Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said, “Pikitup does not clean inside private properties even if owned by JPC. This matter must be reported to JPC for their consideration.”
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