GALLERY: ‘Rat in Mi Kitchen’

Frostie’s Pub in the Spar Shopping Centre on Randpark Drive has shut shop. Owner Tony Williams said that after numerous complaints to the landlord about the dumping of refuse behind his pub by his neighbour, Angelo’s Pizza and Grill, the conditions became intolerable.

“Angelo’s next door used to throw their rubbish out back,” alleged Williams. “Not in sealed bags or bins, just loose, all over the ground. It used to attract rats. I took photos of the filth and called the health inspector out earlier this year, but nothing came of it. I was basically forced to close my business. I had to let all my staff go. That’s four people now without jobs.”

Harry Neophytou is the owner and landlord of the complex. He is also a director of the Randpark Ridge Village Association (RRVA). “I bought this land in 1968 and built this shopping complex myself 39 years ago,” said Neophytou. “My son and I started the RRVA. I have a vested interest in this community. These allegations made by Tony are false. I evicted him on Friday (5 June). He owes me R300,000 in rent. As far as I’m concerned, this is just a case of sour grapes.”

Alex Alexandrou, the owner of Angelo’s, is Neophytou’s nephew. “This restaurant has been trading here since 1996, and I’ve been running it since 2002. Thirteen years now. Tony and I got on well. We were neighbours for a good number of years. We used to help each other out. Although we both had liquor licences, he didn’t serve food, so I would supply food to his customers on Tuesdays when we have a pizza special, and Wednesdays when we have a rib special. And if either of us ran out of booze or ice, we would borrow from the other.”

In response to the photographs provided by Williams, of the refuse being dumped behind Angelo’s, Alexandrou says it was just on one occasion. “I find it quite ironic how Tony ran to the press with these pictures only three days after he was evicted.”

Details: Harry Neophytou, 083 276 3936

Details: Randpark Ridge Village Association (RRVA)