Historical temple turns into a den of drugs, prostitution and squatters
Speaking to business owners in the area, they say that goods-carrying trucks parked in the area are targeted by criminals who then use the temple as a hideout
Once a place of worship and a historical site, the old Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganaser Temple has turned into a ‘drug haven’ and a shelter for squatters.
Businesses are complaining about illegal activities allegedly taking place at the old temple, which is situated in Forbes Street.
The temple is in a terrible state of disrepair and squatters have taken over.
The building has been abandoned, with broken walls, no windows or doors, and just some of the structure still standing.
Speaking to business owners in the area, they say that goods-carrying trucks parked in the area are targeted by criminals who then use the temple as a hideout.
Business owners and workers say that they are amazed at the number of people who go in and out of the temple building on a daily basis. “It’s busier than we are!” quipped a business owner.
“The people who go into the temple grounds get up to all sorts of nonsense!” It is surmised that people go there to take drugs and engage in other criminal activities.
Business owners in the area are asking why the temple has been allowed to go to rack and ruin over the years. Having stood for over a century, it is left for people to sleep in and use as a hideaway.
“The state of the building is an eyesore and a bad reflection on all of us,” said another business owner.
Also read: Burned “Prostitute Tree” about to topple over onto home or business in Ladysmith
A Ladysmith Gazette journalist went out to see for herself, and found beer bottles and rubbish strewn all over the place. While she was there, she saw men jumping out of the broken windows, leaving behind a fire they had lit inside the temple.
Prostitutes are believed to join in the drug-taking, also bringing their “business” into the temple. Sexual activities allegedly take place both day and night.
Law-abiding and religiously-minded people think it is a disgrace that these activities are happening in a former place of worship.
The temple was declared a national monument in Ladysmith. It is over 100 years old and played a significant role in our town years ago.
“Our town needs to be safe and I feel the municipality needs to demolish this building, because it’s only good for criminals and drug addicts, and seeing and hearing all these activities is a disgrace,” said one businessman.
According to a police source, they have randomly gone to the temple on numerous occasions to search for drugs and see if any other criminal activities were taking place. When they got to the temple, the squatters ran away.
At the time of going to press, Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganaser Temple chairman Mr Govender commented that, “It is very sad to hear of and see such activities taking place.”
Years ago, while devotees were inside the temple in Forbes Street having a big prayer, they were shocked when three vehicles were broken into in a matter of 10 minutes. That’s when they decided to move and rebuild the temple in a safe place. The crime rate in Forbes Street is high and that’s the reason they had to move.
The temple has been de-listed from being a national monument; it is now a public religious institution controlled by the board of trustees.
“Law enforcement officers should play a more active role in this area due to the crime rate being so high,” said a concerned Mr Govender.
They are in the process of selling this temple.
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