Newcastle’s Vacant Houses: No Longer a Safe Haven for Criminals

Key points in this article:

• SAPS Crackdown: The era of using vacant houses in Newcastle for criminal activities is over, with SAPS launching a vigorous campaign against drug dealers, burglars, and squatters.
• Community Catalyst: The initiative was sparked by a community meeting on 18 January 2025 where residents from Ward 5 expressed safety concerns due to increased crime in their neighbourhoods.
• Immediate Actions: Police operations have started, targeting specific properties in Barry Hertzog and Ncandu Parks, with immediate evictions and warnings issued to deter future illegal occupation.
• Long-term Strategy: This operation is part of an ongoing effort, with plans for continuous raids and a call for community vigilance, aiming to secure a safer environment while seeking sustainable solutions through governmental cooperation.

The era of criminals and squatters exploiting vacant houses in Newcastle for nefarious purposes has ended.

This follows the Newcastle South African Police Service (SAPS) launching an aggressive campaign to eradicate drug dealers, burglars, and squatters from these properties.

This initiative was spurred by a community meeting in Ward 5 on 18 January 2025, where residents from Barry Hertzog Park, Amajuba Park, and Ncandu Park expressed grave concerns about a surge in criminal activity compromising their safety.

As reported by Newcastillian News at the time, Newcastle Municipality’s Councillor Musa Ndlovu highlighted that criminals were utilising several vacant areas in these three suburbs as hideouts for stolen goods from burglaries, as squatters’ residences, or as drug dens.

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Taking this into account, the first phase of the initiative to reclaim hijacked buildings in Newcastle has commenced, with police operations kicking off on Gerrit Maritz Street in Barry Hertzog Park and Blood River Street in Newcastle.

Cllr Ndlovu elucidated, “Vacant properties have escalated into a significant security issue, with illegal occupants either living in these homes or using them to stash stolen property, or for drug trafficking and consumption. Given the threat this poses to residents, myself and the SAPS have targeted two homes in Ward 5. Both homes had been overtaken by illegal occupants, with those in Ncandu Park previously warned about their occupation. While the occupants of both houses were instructed to vacate immediately, which they did, they were notified that any subsequent presence at these houses or any other vacant properties would lead to their arrest.”

Though this approach may appear harsh to some, Cllr Ndlovu justified these measures by pointing out the alarming increase in crime in these suburbs, directly linked to the plethora of vacant properties. By focusing on these houses, he aims for the intensified police presence to serve as a deterrent, reducing drug abuse, burglaries, and armed robberies.

Furthermore, Constable Nonjabulo Langa confirmed that the initial targeting of two houses is just the beginning.

“This will be a continuous operation, with sector commanders across various suburbs conducting raids on vacant houses to uproot all illegal occupants. We urge members of the community to notify the SAPS of any illegal activities at vacant properties or of individuals who are not owners but are evidently residing in these spaces,” she stated.

The core objective of this operation, as Constable Langa underscored, is to safeguard the Newcastle community. “In numerous instances, we uncover stolen property or drugs within these vacant houses, and the SAPS is committed to tackling this issue head-on to foster a safer environment for all,” she emphasised, noting the necessity for close collaboration between the local SAPS and the Newcastle Municipality to comprehensively address this challenge.

In response, Cllr Ndlovu has written to the Department of Public Works to seek a sustainable solution, which is currently under review.

In conclusion, as the SAPS intensifies its efforts to dismantle criminal networks within Newcastle’s vacant properties, and with strategic outreach to governmental bodies for enduring solutions, the community stands at a crossroads. Will these concerted actions lead to a lasting reduction in criminal exploitation of abandoned spaces, or will the resilience of crime compel new strategies?

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