Rugby residents call for urgent action against crime hotspot

Frustrated residents of Rugby are calling for immediate intervention at a derelict property on the corner of Donegal and Santos streets, which they say has become a breeding ground for criminal activity, gang violence, and community fear.

Luigi Maree, chairperson of the Rugby West Neighbourhood Watch, said the community has endured years of lawlessness linked to the abandoned house, which has reportedly been set alight three times and linked to at least five separate gang-related shooting incidents.

“For far too long, this property has been a haven for illegal squatting, drug dealing, and gang-related violence,”  he said. “The continued vandalism and violence have left the neighbourhood in a state of fear and insecurity.”

Despite repeated complaints to the City of Cape Town,  Law Enforcement , SAPS, and Ward 55 councillor Fabian Ah-Sing, residents claim little has been done to address the crisis. 

“Our pleas have gone unanswered. We are now demanding meaningful action,” he said. 

Residents are calling for immediate removal of illegal occupants, a full investigation into the repeated fires and shootings, and increased police and law enforcement presence in the area to restore a sense of safety.

They also want urgent measures to secure or demolish the structure, which they say poses an ongoing danger, and they are demanding accountability from city departments and elected officials who have failed to act.

He said that the community is now in the process of forming a ratepayers’ association to further escalate their concerns and reclaim their streets.

The City of Cape Town has confirmed the property is listed with its Problem Building Unit (PBU).

According to Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason, the building is part of a deceased estate and has been referred to the City’s finance department for debt recovery and possible sale in execution. “The PBU conducts bi-weekly follow-ups, but as this is private property, the owner would typically be responsible for maintenance. There are currently no new updates,” he said.

The City's mayoral committee member for Finance, Siseko Mbandezi, said the City is pursuing debt recovery in line with its Credit Control and Debt Collection policy, but due to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), it cannot disclose account details.

Meanwhile, residents say criminal activity has continued unchecked.

Councillor Fabian Ah- Sing did not respond to questions and numerous calls from Tabletalk.

Milnerton police did not respond to questions about the property’s safety risks. 

However, Milnerton CPF spokesperson Mariel Davila confirmed that the matter is raised at nearly every CPF meeting. “SAPS continues patrolling the area, but with limited vehicle resources, it’s challenging to maintain consistent oversight,” she said.

“We are calling on municipal authorities to act urgently,” said Mr Maree. “If the City won’t secure these properties, we fear more violence and lawlessness will follow.”