The Democratic Alliance (DA) has appealed to the Dawid Kruiper Municipality and its municipal law enforcement unit, to take stock of vacant and abandoned buildings in Upington that are being taken over by drug users and criminal elements.
In hotspot areas like Rosedale, Dakota, Louisvale and Paballelo, a number of deserted houses have been illegally occupied and are being used for drug use and illegal activities. The situation has caused widespread fear and insecurity amongst residents. In some instances the problem has become so severe that lawful property owners can no longer access or reclaim their own properties.
Most of the affected properties don’t have sanitation, further prompting the drug users to expose themselves out in the open, in front of children and surrounding neighbors. The situation is out of control and is turning peaceful neighbourhoods into danger zones, threatening the safety, health and dignity of law-abiding residents and children.
The DA has sent correspondence regarding a recurring incident of indecent exposure to the Municipal Manager and the Mayor. I also had a meeting with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), who confirmed that illegal occupation, and the mushrooming of drug dens and illegal activity is a huge problem. However, despite numerous complaints from community members, the municipal law enforcement unit is not doing anything to address the situation.
We will not tolerate a situation where the lack of decisive action against the perpetrators has emboldened them, while leaving residents frustrated and powerless.
The DA will increase pressure on the municipality to equip its law enforcement unit with necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and resources to intervene.
We will further request that the municipality acts in accordance with the law, and with the support of the South African Police Service, to:
- Remove unlawful occupants from abandoned properties;
- Conduct thorough inspections of these premises and act against all unlawful behavior;
- Upscale law enforcement visibility in the area; and
- Prevent further illegal occupations.
It is time to reclaim Upington’s suburbs from criminals and give communities back their dignity and safety.