Abandoned buildings face inspection as crime concerns mount
Residents are forced to keep guard and have their windows and gates closed at all times because of criminal activity around abandoned buildings.
The metro has embarked on a process to undertake inspections of abandoned properties under its ownership in Eersterust.
This comes after locals expressed concern about the increase in abandoned buildings serving as hubs for criminal activity.
Community members said these criminal hubs were endangering their safety.
Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro is aware of a few abandoned properties under its ownership. However, he added that the inspection process would assist them in determining the precise number of buildings.
“Once the inspection process has been completed, the city will have a count of abandoned buildings on its properties.”
Mashigo said the metro conducts regular inspections on properties it owns and has inspections scheduled for its properties in the Eersterust area.
He said the future of the abandoned buildings depends on the method the metro uses to determine the highest and best use of the buildings.
“The metro has a highest and best use exercise, which it conducts on properties under its ownership. The exercise will be conducted once the inspection process has been completed.”
Mashigo said some of the abandoned buildings belong to private owners.
He said the metro holds the owners of the buildings accountable by enforcing laws that govern various aspects relating to buildings in the city.
“The city enforces its by-laws and any identified contravention is handled in accordance with the specific by-law,” he said.
Residents complained the metro was not responding to their complaints regarding the abandoned buildings.
However, Mashigo denied that they had received any.
“The metro has not received any complaints about buildings under its ownership in the said [Eersterust] area.”
Residents also expressed that, besides abandoned buildings owned by the metro, there were also privately owned neglected buildings fuelling criminality in the area.
According to community activist Ingle Singh, what were once family homes, businesses and community spaces have fallen into disrepair, now serving as hideouts for criminals, drug users, and illegal activities.
“Many of these structures have been vandalised and stripped of valuable components like electrical wiring, steel frames, and roofing materials.
“They are now unsightly and attract a host of negative consequences, including illegal dumping and trespassing,” he said.
He said the residential properties on Atlantis, Helium and Bennett Ernest avenues and the open space at the old community hall are mostly used as crime hotspots.
“Criminals often use these buildings as hideouts and facilitate criminal activities, including Uber hijackings, where these addresses are used as pick-up points for criminal setups.”
He said most of the buildings were occupied by people who no longer reside in Eersterust and show no concern for their impact on the community.
He added that the buildings have been neglected for many years, with some left vacant for over 20 years.
“Some of the residential properties were abandoned due to reasons such as bank repossession, fire damage, or the owners’ inability to afford repairs.”
He said the abandoned properties degrade the visual appeal of the township and lower the value of adjacent homes.
Singh added that residents now live in fear for their lives as crime rates have increased in the area.
“Numerous incidents have occurred, including vandalism, arson, muggings and robberies.”
He shared that it is deeply disheartening to drive through the area and see the once-functional buildings now in ruins, surrounded by rubble and debris.
He said, despite reports and complaints to the metro, no action has been taken to address the issue.
“The only response received was an acknowledgement of the email by the City Manager’s office. No follow-up action has been taken.”
“The municipality continues to ignore its own by-laws and fails to implement the Derelict Buildings Act, which was passed by Council years ago,” he alleged.
He urged the metro to take responsibility by cleaning and securing these properties, especially where private owners are unwilling or unable to act.
“Owners should be held accountable under municipal policy, and in cases where these buildings belong to the municipality, they should be repurposed for the benefit of the community.”
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous out of safety concerns, shared how hard it was for her living near one of the abandoned buildings allegedly harbouring criminal activity.
“We have had many break-ins. We can’t even leave windows or gates open and be comfortable in our own homes anymore.”
She said the presence of vagrants and criminals occupying the abandoned houses has turned the lives of nearby residents into a nightmare.
“You cannot even park your car outside your own home because a second is enough for them to steal items or parts of your car. We have to live like we’re in prison.”
Another resident and business owner, Glenn Holwordy, shared how criminal activity at the old community hall space has taken a toll on his business.
“I have been running my business since 1979, everything was going well, but since the number of derelict and neglected buildings started growing, people don’t feel safe.”
He said customers don’t feel safe when they visit his business because criminals camping at the old hall space threaten their safety. Some have had their car parts stolen.
He urged the metro to do something about the buildings, such as repurposing them for community benefit.
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