Brooklyn's abandoned properties become crime hotspots, residents demand action

Residents living near two abandoned semi-detached houses in Brooklyn say they are fed up of the criminal elements living there.

The properties, situated in Justin Street, are allegedly being unlawfully occupied, with residents claiming the City of Cape Town properties have become a hotspot for crime - including drug use, prostitution and cable theft. The body of a deceased person was also found on the premises in the past. 

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said that families have been living in constant fear.

He said repeated complaints have been lodged with police, law enforcement and the ward councillor over the years, but nothing has been done.

He said: “There’s prostitution, drugs and copper being stolen and burned inside and outside the houses. It’s happening day and night and it’s completely out of control.”

“Cars, homes, garages and storage places get broken into. Anyone who confronts them gets threatened. People are scared to say anything because the hostility is real.”

Residents also claim underground cables were recently dug up at the back of the properties.

Residents say the properties have been problematic for years. 

Mayco Member for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim confirmed the City is aware of the properties and said they are City-owned homes that were previously leased to tenants who later vacated the units.

Pophaim said: “After the units were vacated, the City barricaded the properties, however, unlawful occupants broke into the properties and continue to occupy the units, causing severe and irreparable damage.”

He added that the Human Settlements Planning Department and Law Enforcement have been conducting regular site visits and inspections to monitor the situation.

Pophaim stated: “Previous clean-up efforts by the City were repeatedly undermined by continued vandalism and unlawful occupation. 

“Large-scale cleaning of the area is legally complicated at this stage due to the presence of unlawful occupants and their belongings.”

According to the City, eviction proceedings are currently under way.

He adds: “Once the court proceedings are concluded, the City will assess the damage and determine the future use of the properties. The City remains committed to resolving the matter lawfully and protecting the site in the long term.”

Residents, however, say they are desperate for urgent relief and hope the matter will finally be resolved before more harm is done.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus