Bonteheuwel Ward councillor Angus McKenzie says he is personally cleaning up crime in his gang-infested community.
On Tuesday, he took a hammer, board and nails to board up a house in Candlewood Street “used for gangsterism, drugs and prostitution”.
“Drug dealers and gangsters must be aware that I and the community will not tolerate the pain and suffering they are causing and that we will use all legal remedies at our disposal to rid our communities of these individuals,” says McKenzie.
“We will keep shutting drug houses in Bonteheuwel.
“Late last year, a drug house in Blombos Street that caused major problems was shut down.
“Today yet another one was shut. 7d Candlewood Street had become notorious with drug trade, gangsterism and all other social ills attached to it.
“It caused neighbours relentless problems and disturbed the peace greatly in the area. Today we shut that property.”
McKenzie says this sends a warning to other merts.
“We are relentless in our pursuit in closing drug houses in our area, obviously the trade of drugs is based on demand and supply.
“But we need to ensure that where we are able to shut these drug houses down we must do it as quickly as possible.
“We are able to close down a lot of the council rental stock properties that are drug houses and we’ve done that; for this year we have done two already.
“We do have a challenge when it comes to private property as SAPS isn't helping in that regard.
“We are encouraging people to contact 021 480 7700 when it comes to houses like this.
“The more complaints we get of this the better to get it shut down.”