FIFTEEN or more homeless, unemployed people squatting in squalor in a derelict house in Krewelkring, Richards Bay, are becoming a bone of contention between good Samaritans, neighbouring property owners, crime patrols and the municipality.
Tempers flared when an elderly woman died in the house recently after her daughter reportedly refused an ambulance on three occasions.
The fourth time, a herse was dispatched.
The crowd occupying the unfinished double storey house claim the owner gave them permission to stay there, but he has been ‘missing in action’ for years.
According to neighbours, the numbers are growing.
A local church is also accused of enthusiastically redirecting all vagrants and beggars there for free board and lodging, contributing to the creation of a filthy squatter camp in the middle of an upmarket neighbourhood, where real estate is expensive.
The Zululand Observer reported on the house in May last year when neighbouring property owners first complained of petty night-time crimes, such as theft of garden furniture and equipment, as well as trespassing.
Angry homeowners are calling the place a rubbish dump and health hazard at best, and a ‘live adult show’, ‘brothel’ and ‘drug den’ at worst.
A community worker familiar with the group says she refuses to help them with food parcels or anything else.
‘Many of them are alcoholics or drug addicted and up to mischief.
‘When we first tried to help two years ago, they swapped donations for money. People should not help them at all.’
A neighbour, voicing the collective concerns of disgruntles residents, says many ‘do-gooders’ drop food parcels and clothes.
They are even paid to repair old furniture for a pawn shop. This is then done on the premises.
‘In the day, they hammer away, making enough noise to wake the dead, never mind the living, and some work night-shifts.
‘This is a residential area, not an industrial zone. At night drunken partying and open cooking fires rule.
‘We as rate payers are totally fed-up.
‘We are living a nightmare. They are encouraged to stay just where they are. They get food, clothing, shelter and money, why would they go anywhere?
‘It is a squatter mansion at the sea.’
Municipality
In May last year the municipality’s building inspector, Bongi Ngema, conducted an inspection and confirmed through Communications Officer Mdu Ncalane that the city is aware of the situation, but the premises meets the requirements for an occupation certificate and their hands are tied as long as no municipality bylaws are breached.
‘We have inspected the premises and there is running water, a working toilet and the rates and taxes of the property is paid up to date.
‘We have sent notices to the owner, because we do not support people living there, but he does not respond.
CPF member Corrie Pretorius of Northern Region Protection Services (NRPS), says: ‘We conduct CPF patrols and are responsible for private security services paid for by street residents. The desperate owners phone us to make a plan with the noise, the fires and the filth, because they cannot get help anywhere.
‘One owner, who is trying to sell his property, says buyers take one look at the monstrosity next-door and run.The situation is intolerable.’
Pretorius was even hurled into court when an occupant attempted to get a Protection Against Harassment Order against him.
But the presiding magistrate refused to grant the order, saying the applicant was illegally occupying the premises and should move out.
According to the City of uMhlathuze’s Environmental Health Bylaws published on the official website, the owner and occupants of the house are in breach of numerous bylaws, which can be enforced and carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment.
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