Houses turned into drug dens
eSikhaleni abandoned houses have been turned into whoonga and sex dens
VACANT and abandoned houses have become sex and drug dens in eSikhaleni.
Residents have raised concerns about properties being used as an assembly location for criminals in Ward 16 behind the Department of Education Mtunzini Circuit building next to Thengeduze Tavern.
According to community members, criminals as well as school teens use these buildings to consume alcohol, have sex and smoke drugs such as whoonga and dagga.
‘These buildings have become a big problem in this community, and a hiding place place for thieves.
‘I was robbed and my purse was found in one of these houses. Something has to be done,’ said homeowner
and ward committee member, Lungile Cele.
According to Ward 16 Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Muzobanzi Ntuli, residents constantly report criminal activity to the police and the City of uMhlathuze, however,
nothing has been done.
‘It’s been years now and the problem is escalating. School pupils bunk school and meet there to have sex and do drugs. Daily I receive reports from community members about their concerns. Residents are not safe – they are mugged as they pass by and raped in the same buildings,’ said Ntuli.
In January, a four-year-old boy, walking past the abandoned houses, was reportedly grabbed and raped.
The incident angered residents and they have demanded the structures to be demolished.
However, according to Ward 16 Councillor, Nonhlahla Cele, these houses are not the municipality’s property and a written consent from owners is required before any action can be taken.
‘Even though we receive numerous reports about criminal activities on the properties, it is against the law to demolish them without the owners’ permission.
‘These houses were built on a wetland, which made it difficult for the municipality to provide them
with services, so they were left abandoned,’ said Cele.
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