Suspicious movement and activities at a dilapidated property in Parktown North leave residents uneasy
The Parktown North Residents Association remains deeply concerned about the ongoing situation at a property on 10th Avenue in Parktown North.
Security concerns and grievances about an alleged hijacked property on 10th Avenue in Parktown North continue to grow, while a suspicious number of people not only occupy, but enter and leave the unkept yard.
The property is not only fenced off by makeshift material which is also used as a gate; it is also surrounded by over grown grass and litter, which has raised environmental concerns in the community.
In a recent Parkview Community Policing Forum (CPF) public meeting, residents said that the property had been a longstanding matter at previous meetings, but nothing had been done to address the situation.
Read more: Highlands North residents are at their wits’ end with an alleged hijacked property
A resident, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, said she has witnessed the property deteriorate over time.
“I have lived in the suburb for over 10 years, and the condition of the property has worsened. We saw JMPD, SAPS and City of Johannesburg authorities in March this year conduct an operation, but the situation remains the same.”
The resident listed some of the alleged crimes and by-law infringements that have happened and continue to happen, which include attempted murder, stabbing, hawking, garden refuse dumping, and sale of drugs.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane confirmed that the city was aware of the derelict property.
“Group forensic and investigation services is currently investigating the matter. The investigation entails finding out who the owner is and engaging them on the future development plans for the property. Once all this work has been concluded, we will be in a better position to provide information.”
Parktown North Residents Association representative Lee Young noted that the association remained deeply concerned about the ongoing situation at the property.
“The association is particularly concerned that a woman and two children are currently residing on the property. This has been brought to the attention of the South African Police Service’s social crime unit, to ensure that the appropriate social support and intervention can be considered.”
Young added that the property was extensively damaged by a fire several years ago and was subsequently declared structurally unsafe by the City of Johannesburg.
She added that it had become an illegal dumping site, while various makeshift structures and screening materials erected by the occupants have further degraded the appearance of the property and negatively impacted the surrounding neighbourhood.
The Parktown North Residents Association noted that it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to seek a lawful, safe, and sustainable resolution to this matter, with due regard for both public safety and the well-being of those involved.
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