Arson probe of White House burning

POLICE are investigating a case of arson after a derelict council-owned building known as “The White House” went up in flames this week.

The house had been a crime hot spot and a bone of contention for Hout Bay residents since 2013.

On Tuesday night, a group of people set the house alight, burning the roof down and leaving its contents destroyed.

The City has since lodged a complaint of arson, which police confirmed yesterday.

City spokesperson Priya Reddy said the City needs council approval before the building can be demolished, and if given will take place within the first two weeks of August.

Hout Bay Civic Association secretary Roscoe Jacobs said yesterday: “The City of Cape Town (is) responsible for endangering our lives as residents here by failing to deal with the ‘White House’ for the last four years.”

But Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said his department had nothing to do with the building. “The building belongs to Transport for Cape Town (TCT) and they are responsible for dealing with it. Safety and Security did everything they could from their side.

“They patrolled the facility and police made several arrests and cleared the building out several times. They also served a problem building notice for remedial action to be taken.”

An application has been made to council for a budget to board up the building.