Urgent call from Lotus River residents to demolish crime-ridden property

Residents and neighbourhood watch members in Lotus River are calling for urgent action from the City of Cape Town to demolish a derelict property at 52 Zarobi Road, which they say has become a hub for criminal activity since it was damaged by fire more than a year ago.

The community has reported an increase in incidents around the property, including petty theft, illegal dumping, drug trafficking, assault, burglary, gang activity, and theft of municipal infrastructure. Residents have launched online petitions urging the City to act.

Anwar Samodien, spokesperson for the Greenlight Neighbourhood Watch, said: “The safety of our community has deteriorated, and the spike in crime is alarming. Since the house burned about a year and a half ago, it has become a breeding ground for illegal activities. The situation has spiralled out of control.”

“This peaceful and law-abiding community is now overshadowed by fear. Besides, the premises now also host a spaza shop, further complicating the issue. The presence of an actively operating spaza shop in such a dangerous environment puts both residents and shopkeepers at risk. Residents deserve to live in a safe, secure, and crime-free environment,” said Mr Samodien.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has conducted operations at the property, including a raid by the Anti-Gang Unit, which led to several arrests.

The Anti-Gang Unit, in coordination, conducted an operation at the property. This resulted in the arrest of criminal elements.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said, “the property is regularly visited since it was identified as a risk in terms of drug abuse and possible gathering of unsavoury characters. The house is burned and appears neglected.

“Various raids have been initiated at the said address and surroundings ever since, resulting in the arrest of at least five suspects who were found in possession of small quantities of drugs. Other minor cases such as assault and malicious damage to property were reported in the area,” said Colonel Pojie.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed the property is regularly monitored: “The property is regularly visited since it was identified as a risk in terms of drug abuse and possible gathering of unsavoury characters. The house is burned and appears neglected.

“Various raids have been initiated at the said address and surroundings ever since, resulting in the arrest of at least five suspects who were found in possession of small quantities of drugs. Other minor cases such as assault and malicious damage to property were reported in the area,” said Colonel Pojie.

Colonel Andre van Wyk, station commander at Grassy Park SAPS, said the station had received a report of malicious damage to property earlier this year. “We will activate our own resources and will look into the matter,” he said.

Mr Samodien said the neighbourhood watches will continue to report incidents linked to the property. Southern Mail was unable to reach the owners of the property by the time of print. Neighbours reported there have been ongoing family disputes.

Ward councillor Donovan Nelson confirmed he is aware of the situation: “I am aware of the situation and I’ve initiated the process to have the property declared a ‘problem building’ under our Problem Building By-law.”

He said preliminary operations have already taken place, but added: “Because it’s privately owned, the City must seek court approval before any demolition can proceed. Once I receive an update from the Problem Building Unit, I’ll be sure to provide further information.”

Southern Mail could not get hold of the property owners at the time of print, but neighbours say there have been challenges due to internal family disputes.

JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, explained how the Problem Property By-law (2020) defines and manages such cases.

“The by-law categorises properties as either Problem Buildings — with legal, safety, or health-related non-compliance — or Buildings with Problems, which have aesthetic or minor maintenance issues,” said Mr Smith.

“With every reported case, the Problem Building Unit conducts an on-site assessment. If the property meets the criteria, the registered owner is formally notified and given an opportunity to comply. Failure to do so will result in the property being registered as a problem building.

“We have often seen that opportunistic criminals use a derelict building to hide or as a base of operations. Let’s work together and support our officers by reporting problem buildings,” he added.

Residents can report problem buildings by emailing a detailed complaint to: problembuilding.unit@capetown.gov.za or by phoning 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.