GEORGE NEWS - The illegal occupation of an empty house in Wellington Street by homeless people has residents in the vicinity gritting their teeth.

The property has been vandalised extensively, the litter-strewn garden is overgrown and numerous thefts have left neighbours no option but to implement expensive security measures.

John Glennie, well-known in his time, had been the owner of the house at 71 Wellington Street before he was murdered in his garage some years ago. The new owner rented out the property, but it was vacated about a year ago and has been standing empty since then.

Nextdoor neighbour, Geraldine James, who owns an extensive property here with several housing units that she rents out, says they are desperate to have the situation resolved. Theft got out of hand and as a result she had electric fencing installed around the entire property with a remote controlled gate providing the only access.

"We live in a cage. We are like prisoners."

From the front the house seems intact with its bright blue painted front door and safety gate in place and the street number still on the wall. But when one moves to the back, the vandalism becomes evident. Fires have been made inside the house, windows are missing, the back entrance door has been broken down and the inside is a mess.

When the George Herald arrived at the premises on Tuesday morning, there were about six people in the house who said they had been living there for some weeks. One woman said they hail from Knysna and Beaufort West, are unemployed and have nowhere else to go. There is no water or electricity.

James was under the impression that the house had been repossessed by Standard Bank, so the George Herald approached the bank's Administrative Head, Wollie Wolmarans. He confirmed that he received James' complaint on Tuesday, but said the bank first has to determine if the property had indeed been repossessed or if it is still in the name of the previous owner. "The matter is receiving our attention," he promised.

Around the corner, a quaint little house in a somewhat neglected state has also been standing empty for some months, but it has so far been spared the assault of illegal occupants. James is, however, concerned that this property too may become a target.
André Smith, head of Environmental Affairs at George Municipality, said that since this is private property, the owner is responsible for the eviction of the occupants.

The George Herald also approached the Health Department of Eden District Municipality. Clifford Mdingi, chief of municipal health, visited the premises after hearing about the complaint. He reported back, saying that the situation is unacceptable and that they will be addressing it as a matter of urgency.


Fires are made inside the house.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

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