Metro under fire for failing to act on Pretoria North crime den
Residents accuse the metro of neglect after years of complaints about the abandoned Pigeon Club building, now linked to rampant crime and drug activity.
An abandoned building at the old Pigeon Club near the Northern Rugby Club in Wolmer has allegedly become a hotspot for drugs, prostitution, and theft, sparking outrage from residents and renewed calls for urgent intervention from the metro and police authorities.
The site, located between Bakenkloof and Jopie Fourie streets, has long been a source of concern for residents in Ward 2, who claim that the derelict building has turned into a crime den, threatening their safety and property.
Ward 2 Councillor Quentin Meyer confirmed the escalating problem, saying he is pushing the city council to demolish this property, as it has become a nexus for criminal and destructive activities.
He promised to continue putting pressure until proper action is taken and the area is cleaned up for the safety of residents.
Resident Magriet Myburgh described the situation as unbearable, adding that residents are living in constant fear of theft and vandalism.
She also claims that there are suspicious people around the abandoned building who seem to be monitoring homes.
Meyer did confirm there have been cases of cable theft, and that other infrastructure may have been damaged.
Pretoria North police spokesperson Sergeant Tumisang Moloto confirmed that police are aware of the situation and have been taking consistent action.
“Police patrol regularly. Drug dealers and users are locked up daily, and drug users are being taken to court for prosecution,” said Moloto.
Moloto added that while police continue their enforcement efforts, the metro must cut the grass and put security measures in place.
Meyer was told to take this up with the metro.
Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, confirmed that the city is aware of the state of the old Pigeon Club site. He confirmed that an inspection was conducted by law enforcement along with metro officials on October 17.
“It was observed that the two properties, R/46 and Portion 143 of the Farm Wonderboom, contain various improvements.
“The improvements include sports fields, a garden refuse transfer site, a guard house for a caretaker, a facilities storage room, ablution facilities, and a vandalised building previously used by the Pigeon Club.”
He added that a few homeless people were found living in the old Pigeon Club building.
“They were instructed to vacate the premises and have since complied. The inspection report outlined several recommendations that require further assessment and investigation.”
When asked who owns the property, Mashigo confirmed that the municipality owns both portions.
“As mentioned, a site inspection was conducted, and the recommendations outlined in the inspection report are currently under assessment and further investigation,” he explained.
Residents and community leaders have questioned why the building has not yet been demolished, despite years of complaints about crime linked to the site.
Mashigo responded that before any demolition can take place, there should be a thorough assessment and detailed planning process that must be undertaken.
He added that criminal activities can, and must be reported to the police for investigation and further handling.
Addressing the long-term future of the property, Mashigo said, “The two properties are zoned as public open space.
“Any future development or redevelopment will be undertaken in accordance with the applicable zoning regulations, as well as the city’s budgeting and planning processes.”
Meyer confirmed that he will continue to engage both the municipality and the Pretoria North Police to find a permanent solution.
“We need this property either rehabilitated or demolished, leaving it as it is poses a danger to the community,” he said.
ALSO READ: Pilot programme aims to unify society and district education efforts
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
