Church ignores court order
DESPITE an interdict by the South Gauteng High Court ordering Winners Chapel International to discontinue the use of their Louis Botha Avenue premises, no change seems to be in sight.
The church was found to be non-compliant with national building regulations and standards, and in contravention of its zoning and building plans.
According to resident Michael Belling, the church has since ignored the court order and is carrying on with services as normal. “The services have not stopped and the noise is unbearable. They have services from as early as 6am and at times from 2am. Their amplifiers are so loud our windows vibrate from the sound,” said Belling. North Eastern Tribune is in possession of the court order which also orders that “the respondent [the church] is to forthwith cause the demolition of the unauthorised alterations erected and present on the property”.
It adds, “Failing compliance in full by the respondent with the terms and the conditions of the order within five days from the granting of this order, the sheriff is authorised and directed to demolish all unauthorised alterations and remove and discard the rubble.”
The ruling was made on 5 December last year with the court also ruling that the church pay for all costs involved with the demolition.
Belling said although the order had since expired, no change has taken place.
Residents are also concerned about parking, congestion and illegal interruption of traffic flow which is a potential fire hazard.
At the time of going to press, the church had not responded to emails and voice messages sent to them for comment.
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