Hout Bay, the Republic, home to arguably the world’s most beautiful scenic drive as it winds its away along the mountainside and over to Noordhoek.

All was not well in that neck of the woods however, a dilapidated old property dubbed the ‘White House’ having become something of a crime haven and causing much consternation. Residents became so riled up that they eventually set fire to the house two weeks ago, dissatisfied with a lack of progress after months of complaints.

As a result of their vigilante actions the City of Cape Town started the official destruction of the property yesterday, with this below from News24:

Officials started demolition work using a digger-loader machine to rip the building apart.

“If all goes according to plan, only the foundations will be left once we leave the property tonight [Thursday], rendering this safe haven for criminals something of the past,” [Brett Herron, mayoral committee member of Transport for Cape Town] said…

“It has been extensively vandalised and, as a result, all salvageable materials, fixtures and fittings have been removed. The ceilings have also been damaged by fires lit by vagrants.”

The City’s actions will come as a great relief to those surrounding the property, having watched it being used as a base for muggers targeting Main Road. Here’s something of a victory dance:

Hout Bay Civic Association secretary Roscoe Jacobs said the move was a victory for community activism and unity.

Rumour has it unruly teenagers who used to buy bottles of cheap wine and drink them behind the derelict building are distraught.

The only way to fight crime together is with a connected neighbourhood. OurHood is building a safer, stronger South Africa with their new platform available on desktop and app. Go to ourhood.co.za and sign up now to communicate in real time with your real neighbours.

[source:news24]