BROKEN HOMES: Joburg’s silent siege — Kensington residents move out as home hijackers move in
Abandoned and hijacked homes in Johannesburg’s Kensington are driving residents out as illegal extensions, overcrowding and utility theft pile up costs and erode property values.
In Johannesburg's Kensington suburb, abandoned and hijacked homes are forcing residents to move out as the buildings deteriorate and overcrowding drives up utility bills. One dilapidated house on Milner Crescent has a missing roof, stripped pipes, weeds overtaking the garden and reportedly housed a SAPS member in the past. Despite complaints, the building remains standing.
Estate agents report buyers are interested in purchasing the dilapidated properties, but they remain uninhabitable eyesores. Some owners have abandoned the homes or sold them to hijackers, who convert them into rental units for up to 20 people. These landlords often pay cash for the properties, avoiding the loan process that would require building plans.
Hijacked properties often make illegal utility connections, leading to astronomical bills for paying residents. Property values drop, deterring potential buyers. Many landlords do not live nearby and fail to maintain the properties. This overcrowding negatively impacts service delivery, as infrastructure cannot keep up with the increased demand.
Kensington's aging population, many of whom are pensioners, are particularly vulnerable. Hijackers use various tactics, including brute force, pretending to be long-term tenants, or using South Africans to purchase homes, then defaulting on loans and taxes. The City of Johannesburg can issue fines and legal action, but the financial benefits for landlords make them reluctant to comply.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
