ABANDONED THERESAPARK HOUSES BECOME CRIME MAGNETS!

Abandoned houses in Theresapark have become growing concern for residents as suspected criminals allegedly used the properties as hiding places.

During this time, they would be stripping off anything they could sell or use.

The latest incident came to light when community members spotted a group entering the abandoned property at Weasley Street, Theresapark, down-town, removing leftover valuables.

Residents gave chase, but the suspects managed to evade them and disappeared before they could be apprehended.

However, they left behind a bag containing items believed to have been removed from the house, including electrical cables, wall plugs, an old microwave oven and other household items.

Residents say the incident highlights a broader problem associated with neglected and abandoned properties in residential areas.

According to neighbours, such properties can become attractive targets for criminals and people looking to strip buildings of anything that has resale value.

They say electrical cables are particularly vulnerable because copper and other materials can be sold to scrap dealers.

Some residents also allege that people addicted to nyaope and other substances have been targeting abandoned properties, removing electrical wiring, plugs, door and window frames and other fittings.

One neighbour said residents were becoming increasingly worried that criminals could eventually turn their attention to occupied homes in the area.

“And, when they’re done with those abandoned houses, they will target us,” the neighbour said.

The concerns come as the City of Tshwane has existing mechanisms dealing with so-called problem, abandoned and derelict properties.

The City’s Problem Building and Property Management By-law places responsibilities on property owners, including preventing unlawful occupation or criminal activity and securing derelict buildings against unauthorised access.

The City has previously acknowledged the broader safety implications of neglected buildings.

In February 2025, Tshwane officials inspected a severely neglected government-owned building and issued a contravention notice, saying poorly maintained buildings could become threats to public safety.

Tshwane has also established an Integrated By-law Enforcement Committee involving different municipal departments, with one of its stated objectives being safer communities through coordinated by-law enforcement.

Residents can report suspected by-law violations to the City’s By-law Enforcement Centre.

In Tshwane call 012 358 0070 and 0801 111 556, while criminal activity can be reported to the Tshwane Metro Police Department.

The Weasley Street incident has also attracted the attention of independent Ward 98 councillor candidate Thabo Moroane, who responded to the scene.

Moroane said dealing with neglected properties and improving safety in residential areas forms part of the priorities he has been putting before residents during his campaign.

The incident has once again placed the spotlight on the question of what happens to abandoned houses after they are no longer occupied.

For residents, the concern goes beyond the loss of electrical cables or household fittings.

They say an unsecured property can become a potential entry point for criminal activity, while also contributing to the deterioration of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The community is now calling for the relevant authorities and property owners to identify abandoned properties, secure them and take appropriate action before they become more serious safety problems.

Akasia Express couldn’t get hold of the owner of the abandoned house at Weasley Street.