WATCH: Authorities crackdown on any potential mischief at Babylon Mansion
Police set up roadblock at corner of New Chum Street and Montrose Avenue to prevent guests accessing house.
Authorities ensured that no excessive noise or disturbances were experienced in New Chum Street, on May 6.
An event for that evening had been advertised on ticketing platforms and prompted by a sense of urgency created by residents, measures were put in place to monitor the street. At roughly 16:00, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), private security, and Honeydew Community Police Forum (CPF) had set up a Visible Policing (Vispol) checkpoint as an early deterrent to any partygoers.
Also read: Walls of notorious Little Falls house party venue vandalised in early morning attack
Before large numbers of guests could arrive, several officials asked to inspect Babylon Mansion, a request granted by owner Andrea Mey. Two police officers, as well as building, health, and by-law inspectors, made up the six-man team who toured the premises. The men left without incident but authorities remained stationed at the corner of New Chum Steet and Montrose Avenue, persuading those wishing to visit Babylon Mansion from doing so.
Also read: Little Falls house party has community raging for proper enforcement
Honeydew police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Dave Stanton explained the motivation for the response.
“Social media advertisements for the problematic events had been placed. However, on further investigation by the police, it was ascertained that JMPD had not received any necessary applications to hold such an event. This coordinated operation falls within Vispol functions, as Vispol is responsible for both proactive and reactive policing.”
Within allowable parameters, police and CPF members stated that they would not prevent visitors from accessing the house but an argument ensured with Mey after her daughters received messages from friends saying police had blocked them. Mey confronted those stationed at the checkpoint shortly after 19:00 and recorded police members telling guests to go home. Mey eventually succeeded in having a small gathering with those she was able to escort from the checkpoint to her home.
The source of Mey’s frustration is he believes that neighbours and authorities are infringing on her right to have guests at her home.
“Police may prevent private citizens from entering the private property if there is an active crime scene, if there is an investigation in the progress of a past crime scene if they suspect that underage youths are being exposed to alcohol or narcotics usage, and if an event being held is not authorized,” explained Stanton.
Other than the graffiti, no criminal cases have been opened concerning Babylon Mansion but authorities will continue to monitor the situation. For now, the community is winning the ‘war’, as spayed on the walls of Babylon Mansion on May 6, but further battles may lay ahead.
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