Sassa CEO’s ‘hobo house’ causing big stink in KZN

Used condoms, human faeces, stripped electronics and rubbish were only a few of the items blanketing the floors and floating in the pool of SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO Thokozani Magwaza’s half-built and neglected house in Meerensee, KwaZulu-Natal, the Zululand Observer reports.

This was the stomach-churning discovery made by Community Police Forum (CPF) Meerensee patrollers in Richards Bay when they raided the house on Krewelkring street following countless complaints from neighbours plagued by the stench coming from the property and the reported influx of crime after vagrants made the structure their home.

CPF’s Corrie Pretorius said that, on entering the house, three inhabitants fled on foot towards the greenbelts on Dune Road.

“The house is disgusting. Even an open toilet with no water was used.

“We found ‘sleeping quarters’ with makeshift beds and a small quantity of dagga. The people of Musselcracker and Moonfish are fed-up with this health and safety risk. It is unacceptable,” said Pretorius.

According to the property’s registration with the Deeds Office, the house belongs to Magwaza, who has not yet responded to media questions about the dwelling.

Ward 2 councillor Christo Botha said owners of neglected properties causing health and crime concerns should be served with legal notices.

uMhlathuze municipality communications manager Mdu Ncalane said the city “will deal with this matter appropriately and follow proper procedures”, but the borough’s exact plan of action remains unclear.

– Caxton News Service