Drug-dens demolished

Rustenburg – Three dilapidated houses that had become drug-dens and hideouts for criminals were demolished by Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) on Tuesday 17 September. This move was applauded by residents and community leaders.  

The houses, situated in Kruger and Leyds streets, were reduced to rubble during an operation led by RLM acting mayor Lucky Kgaladi and a crime prevention team. 

A court order, obtained by the municipality after DA ward 18 councillor Martha Lerm and other community members had expressed concern over rising crime levels, paved the way for this demolition. 

Angie Joubert, who held her young son and watched from her yard while a huge bulldozer was taking down house number 15A in Kruger street, described to Platinum Weekly how the property had become a haven for criminal activities.

“The person who built that house left mysteriously about five years ago. Criminals who were dealing in drugs and involved in crimes such as theft, moved in and made it their own.”

Martha believes the demolitions will go a long way in reducing criminal activities in the area. “Last year, these very same houses were set alight by disgruntled community members in outrage over the drugs and prostitution activities.”

RLM spokesperson David Magae said court processes would determine the fate of the residential stands.