GEORGE NEWS - The old residence in Davidson Road is yet another example of a property that has been deserted for years and has now attracted squatters.

It belongs to the Department of Public Works, but has been made available recently to the local police for accommodation for its members.

Five members now live on the same property as the squatters, about 50 metres apart. Police spokesperson Capt. Malcolm Pojie said they are grateful for the use of the property in light of the current economic conditions and high cost of accommodation in George. But neighbours are complaining about theft and break-ins in the area.

There are allegations that the crime can be linked to the squatters. Pierre du Toit said that stolen clothes have been identified on squatters' washing lines in the grounds of the residence. Neighbours have also noticed that "stuff" is sometimes off-loaded there by car, said Du Toit. He proposed that the police fine-comb the squatters' living quarters with a sniffer dog for drugs.

During a visit by the George Herald, the residence looked run-down, but the grounds around it were neat.

Two men emerged from a second old house at the back of the property where a small garden is well established. The men had a toddler with them whose mother had apparently moved away. They protested against any photos being taken or being identified.

Regarding alleged drug use and trade on the premises, Pojie commented that such an assumption is unfounded. "Those who make these allegations or who are aware of them, are invited to make a statement to the station commander or even the Independent Police Complaints Directorate so that the allegations can be investigated."

He said "stuff" being offloaded on the property is not strange. "The police members living here are self-supportive and will from time to time have purchased goods delivered or do deliveries themselves. The last person who moved in there made use of a transport company to have his furniture delivered."

He said the police has improved the house to acceptable living standards, although a lot still has to be done. He asked the community to be patient. "It is a time-consuming and expensive process in which different departments are involved."
Talks with the municipality are underway to discuss possible solutions for the squatter situation. Some of the squatters have been removed.

* Die ou residensie in Davidsonweg, 'n eiendom van Publieke Werke, het vir jare leeg gestaan. Plakkers woon in 'n tweede huis agter die residensie en in plakkerhutte. Laasgenoemde is vir polisie-akkommodasie beskikbaar gestel en vyf polisielede woon tans daar.


This old residence in Davidson Road now also accommodates members of the police. Photo: Christo Vermaak

ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST