Vagrants wreak havoc in building

SOMERSET West residents living near a vacant house are distraught about illegal activities taking place in the building.

The property on Bellona Street is an eight-bedroom house that has been taken over by vagrants and other undesirable characters, according to Neil Matthews, who lives near the house.

Matthews said he had tried for six years to get assistance from the city to resolve the problem. He said they were meeting with city officials today where they hoped to be given a date for the building’s demolition.

Matthews said the most recent incident happened last Saturday when an illegal occupant attacked an elderly man who was working in his garden.

Up to 15 illegal occupants currently stay at the property and Matthews said sometimes there were about 25 people.

The property is registered under a business called Gedelte 118 Lindley which currently owes the city over R700000 in rates arrears. The Cape Argus was unable to reach the company for comment yesterday. Outside the building the city has erected a sign stating it had been declared a problem building.

Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the owners were in contravention of all notices issued to them. “The Problem Building Unit is in the process of finalising arrangements to have the property demolished. This would be for the cost of the property owner. In the interim, the City’s Law Enforcement staff do regular checks and clear out anyone found on the property, as the building is deemed unfit for human habitation.” – Yolisa Tswanya A BRAVE bread delivery man has been honoured for his heroism after he successfully stopped the drunk driver of a luxury vehicle from crashing into oncoming traffic.

Zain Small, 24, from Monte Vista was presented with a commendation for his bravery and tokens of the City of Cape Town’s appreciation yesterday.

Small was transporting bread in his delivery truck at 11.15pm on Tuesday when he spotted an elderly man in a white Jaguar “driving erratically” on the N1.

The 71-year-old was driving into oncoming traffic at about 70km/h, avoiding collisions “by a hair’s breadth”.

Disregarding his own safety, he turned around and took after the man, flashing his headlights to warn oncoming vehicles.

CCTV footage shows the man nearly collided with several vehicles during his 6km journey.

“I just decided that I needed to save this guy and many South Africans as well.”

The driver was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless and negligent driving, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm. – Gadeeja Abbas