Vacant properties, rising crime: A Randfontein reality

Yet another arrest at an abandoned property in Randgate has reignited concern among community members and security officials over the growing number of vacant houses in the area, which are increasingly being linked to criminal activity.

On June 26, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and a local security company responded to an incident at 68 Henning Street, where they removed a woman who had allegedly violated her parole. She was subsequently handed over to the police. CPF chairperson Ruan Sheppard said the woman is also suspected of being involved in theft in the area.

According to Sheppard, many of these abandoned homes have been left vacant due to ownership transitions – either the owners have moved and the new owners have yet to take occupation, or the properties form part of unresolved deceased estates. These empty properties then become a magnet for criminal elements.

“The house then becomes the community’s problem, leading to excessive noise, fights or smoke from fires, which disturbs residents who just want to live peacefully,” Sheppard said.

He also highlighted a rise in theft linked to these properties. “People steal gate motors or alarm beams and stash them in these houses. The homes are also vandalised, and anything of value is stripped and taken.”

Mac van Zyl, operations manager at Mapogo A Mathamaga, added that these properties are often taken over by homeless individuals or drug addicts.

“There’s no power, no doors or windows left. Every metal fitting and power cable is stolen and sold to fund their addiction.”

The deteriorated condition of these houses, Sheppard explained, further delays any potential sale, prolonging their abandonment and deepening the problem. With drug abuse already a major concern in Randfontein, these houses have become havens for addicts.

Van Zyl mentioned a current case involving a man searching for two individuals suspected of stealing his gate motors. In another recent incident, a break-in at a business in Helikon Park led to the arrest of a suspect, who then directed the police and Mapogo to a house in Van Deventer Street. There, more suspects and stolen goods were recovered.

Sheppard confirmed that 68 Henning Street is not the only troublesome property. Other frequently problematic sites include 41 Henning Street and 20 Van Deventer Street. Van Zyl noted that abandoned homes in Palm Street, Greenhills, are also becoming a growing concern.

One of the major challenges faced by the CPF is that these houses are private property, and without consent from the owners, they are prohibited from entering.

“No premises may be entered without permission or a warrant. Criminals know this and take advantage,” said Van Zyl.

Sheppard urged property owners to work with local security companies or grant written permission to the CPF to access their vacant homes.

“That way, we can help keep the house secure, as is now the case with 68 Henning Street, although, unfortunately, it has already been vandalised,” he said.

He also noted that CPF efforts are often underestimated.

“People look down on the CPF or security companies, thinking we’re ineffective. But we can’t be everywhere at once. Criminals watch our patrols and wait for us to leave before they strike. We also can’t assume every person on the street is a criminal.”

He cited the issue of stolen power cables as an example.
“When our patrollers monitor one hotspot, the thieves simply move to another. As we shift focus, so do they.”

The police were approached for comment, but national and provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi referred the Randfontein Herald to the municipality.

Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa said, “All criminal cases must be reported to law enforcement agencies. We have not received any information about the removal of abandoned houses or reports of criminal activity at such properties. These houses are privately owned, and the municipality has no jurisdiction over them. Any criminal activity must be reported to the appropriate authorities.”