Raid reveals foul inside view of Richards Bay ‘hobo house’

USED condoms, human faeces, stripped electronics and rubbish were only a few of the items blanketing the floors and floating in the pool of SASSA CEO Thokozani Magwaza’s half-built and neglected house in Meerensee.

This was the stomach-churning discovery made by Community Police Forum (CPF) Meerensee patrollers who raided the house on Krewelkring street at 10.30pm on Wednesday following countless complaints from neighbours plagued by the stench coming from the property and the reported influx of crime after vagrants made the structure their home.

CPF’s Corrie Pretorius said on entering the house, three inhabitants fled on foot towards the greenbelts on Dune Road.

‘The house is disgusting. Even an open toilet with no water was used.

‘The pool is half-full with rainwater and festers with muck, dirt and rubbish. Trolleys were scattered around and fires were still smouldering.

‘We found ‘sleeping quarters’ with makeshift beds and a small quantity of dagga.

‘The community of Musselcracker and Moonfish are fed up with this health and safety risk. It is unacceptable,’ said Pretorius.

According to the property’s registration with the Deeds Office, the house belongs to the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO, who has not yet responded to the Zululand Observer’s questions regarding the dwelling.

Ward 2 Councillor Christo Botha said owners of neglected properties causing health and crime concerns, should be served with legal notices.

uMhlathuze Municipality Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said the city ‘will deal with this matter appropriately and follow proper procedures’, but the borough’s exact plan of action remains unclear.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer