Anonymous group applauded for unsanctioned demolition of notorious Gqeberha building

In just a few short minutes, a heavy construction vehicle tore through Clifton Mansions, levelling one of Central Gqeberha’s worst problem buildings.

Labelled as one of the area’s biggest eyesores, drug dens and crime havens since it was abandoned 15 years ago, local interest groups have been battling for years to secure or tear down the derelict apartment block.

And while the proper channels were not followed, as no municipal demolition permit was granted before the structure was torn down on Monday morning, security operators and officials were happy to see the building go.

“Clifton Mansions was among the top five problem buildings in my ward for many years. We have been battling for years to make any progress on the issue.

Applause

“I’m not sure who is behind the demolition, but they deserve to be applauded. They did us all a favour,” ward councillor Terri Stander said.

Built in 1955, Clifton Mansions was once a sought-after property consisting of several flats in the bustling business hub of Central. But the area, specifically Hope Street and surrounds, has deteriorated. The apartment building was first boarded up 15 years ago.

It soon became a shelter for the homeless, a place to crash for drug addicts, and a haven for criminals looking for a place to hide or stash their loot.

Read more: Abandoned buildings and homelessness — an NMB crisis in plain sight

However, over the past few weeks, concerned citizens assisted the people living there to move to a homeless shelter so that they could clear out the building for its eventual demolition.

A local businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they formed an interest group that raised funds for the demolition.

“We previously raised funds to bring in engineers to do a full assessment of the building, and they found it was completely unsafe. It was structurally unsound and at risk of collapse.

“The municipality was approached, and city officials said they had also tried to get hold of the owners so that they could be issued with legal notices or even a demolition order. From what we understand, the owner passed away some time ago, and there was no way of issuing the relevant paperwork to get the ball rolling.

“So we decided it was time to take matters into our own hands.”

R130,000 and a few minutes later, a heavy construction vehicle (a tractor-loader-backhoe, or TLB) reduced the building to rubble.

Grateful

Stander said she could not comment on the people involved or the processes that were followed (or not followed), but she was grateful to be rid of Clifton Mansions.

“I understand no permits were granted, but I also understand that [the] owners are deceased and management of the property completely collapsed. To do what these people did on Monday would have taken years through the processes available to the municipality.

“In the past two years, there have been three fires. Police are constantly raiding the building or chasing suspects into it. Every time there was an incident, Clifton Mansions drained state and private resources.”

Despite having no water or electricity, Stander said the property still racked up a municipal account to the tune of R700,000 in unpaid rates and taxes.

“Unfortunately, I anticipate the [criminal] elements will only identify a new hideout nearby, but at least there is one less drug and crime den,” Stander said.

‘Huge win’

Private security firm City Wide Security is the most prolific law enforcement agency operating in Central, and director Stephen Moore hailed the effort of the interest group behind the demolition.

“From a security perspective, this is a huge win. Central is becoming a student hub, and the amount of times that students have been mugged and robbed of cellphones or laptops while walking past Clifton Mansions is incredible.

“Our operatives often chased suspects there, and every time they risked their lives because of the condition of that building. It was a hotspot for opportunistic criminals.”

While municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said he was awaiting feedback from the relevant departments about the building and its demolition, a municipal official confirmed that no demolition order had been approved.

Stander said the next step would probably involve the city’s treasury department, as it was the relevant authority.

“In the near future, I hope to see the property go on sale or go on auction. There is massive development potential in that location, and perhaps the city can recoup some of its losses through the sale of the property,” Stander said. DM