Vagrants moving into an empty property in the west of Pretoria are driving neighbours up the wall, they say.
The property, located in Charter Street, has become a concern for locals.
According to ward councillor Elma Nel, the house on this property burned down years ago.
Since then, the property was left empty.
“There are vagrants living in the dilapidated building,” she said.
“Trash and building rubble are scattered all over the place.”
“This area has also become a crime hot spot with drug users also using the building.”
One of the residents, who live next to the property, spoke to Rekord anonymously and said the property had become a headache to locals.
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“We are scared to go to bed at night, knowing what is going on right next door,” she said.
“My daughter, who lives on the other side of the property, was victim to crime in the past.”
She said the property was also causing a pest problem.
Nel said there were many empty properties in her ward.
“There are so many complaints because of empty properties in the area,” she said.
“This is a great concern because it is a private property, there is not much that the metro can do about it.”
She said it was also sometimes difficult to track the owner of properties down.
“What then usually happens is, if the metro can gain access, they clean the property at their own cost and bill it to the owner,” she said.
“This becomes a problem, especially if the owner cannot be tracked down.”
Nel urged residents to make sure that when buying a property and it is left empty, to make sure that it is properly secured.
ALSO READ: West empty property frustrates residents
She said a secure fence could be erected around a property.
“Be responsible and keep an eye on your property,” she said.
“If you are living in another province, make sure there is someone who can regularly monitor the property.”
She said when a property is left empty, it quickly becomes a shelter for vagrants or a spot for illegal dumping.
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