Bloubergstrand residents raise alarm over problem property

Bhekizizwe Radebe

Concerned Tritonia Road residents have raised concerns about alleged drug sales and prostitution at an open plot in the Bloubergstrand road.

The plot, which was bought by a private developer, is fenced off but occupied with squatters.

One neighbour, who only wanted to be known as Albert, said the previous building had been demolished to make way for a four-storey apartment. He claims that the plans for the block were not approved by the City and the building had collapsed, injuring one of the constructors. The City has since stopped the construction, he says..

“The construction started when Covid-19 lockdown levels were reduced and this plot has been vacant since then. The developer then placed a wendy house on the pavement which became occupied by homeless people. He then moved the wendy house inside the plot after we complained to him about the people who moved in there,” added Albert.

Another resident, Sylvie Clombe, said: "I  formally raised concerns regarding ongoing disturbances and illegal activities occurring at the property, located at number 3 Tritonia Road. Over the past few months, I have observed a concerning situation involving the vagrants occupying the empty plot and who appear to be engaging in illicit behaviour."

She said a toddler is also living on the premises and she is deeply worried about the safety and well-being of the child

"Specifically, there have been repeated instances of drug dealing recorded on video, which is extremely alarming for the neighbourhood, not only due to the risks associated with drug dealing and with the unpredictable behaviour of these individuals but also because of the potential dangers to the child involved," she said.

She said that since the plot has become occupied, its residents have harassed the neighbours with begging, sometimes aggressively.

"This behaviour is not only disruptive but also creates an uncomfortable environment for those living in the vicinity," she said.

"Numerous attempts to solve the problem have been made over the last year, by contacting the owner of the plot, as well as SAPS to address this critical situation but unfortunately the owner has remained unresponsive," she said.

Another resident, who wanted to remain anonymous said: "Since there are frequently small groups seated there, I feel really intimidated when I pass it on my daily walks. It looks like there is drug selling going on since I have witnessed them transferring items to individuals outside through the holes in the cloth covering and on the fence. Second, the property is in awful condition, which is degrading the quality of our lovely community, where we have chosen to live and raise our kids. It is and will continue to lower the value of our properties."

Another resident said: “Unfortunately, the owner of the property seems unbothered about what is happening on his land and does not regard the safety of residents."

The owner of the property, Mohammadali Amouhadi, said he is aware of the people who moved onto the grounds without his permission. He added that he is working on kicking them out. 

Tableview police spokeswoman, Captain Adriana Chandler, said, “We are aware of the situation at the dwelling in question. SAPS have reacted numerous times when complaints of illicit drug dealing are reported, have responded to the complaints and has been affected numerous times. The courts make the final decision on the punishment of these arrested suspects.”

Ward 107 Councilor Jonathan Mills said he is aware of the issues at the site and have been engaging with the residents, City officials and police to resolve the problem. He added that the owner had allowed the people to live there, so they are not there illegally and cannot be evicted. However, the condition of the site and the impact on the community are "completely unacceptable".

"I and other officials have visited the site many times. The City's Health Department has issued compliance and enforcement notices and the Law Enforcement Problem Building Unit has also started the process of declaring the site derelict unless the owner takes immediate steps. These are legal processes with mandated time frames but they are moving forward," added Mr Mills.

He said that he has seen video evidence of drug dealing and has passed it to SAPS and the Community Police Forum.

"I have been informed that a number of operations have taken place and I continue to raise the issue at meetings with SAPS. 

"I believe the root of this issue is negligence. The toxic landlord has given permission for this land to be abused at the cost of the community. Under legal pressure, the owner has now made some minor improvements but they are grossly insufficient and I hope the full force of the law is brought down on him to get the property in order," added Mr Mills.