Cape Town - The notorius Peppermint Palace opposite Muizenberg Railway station, which was due to be auctioned in May, has become a hide-out for criminals and drug dealers who often prey on people walking along the catwalk towards St James.
DA ward councillor Felicity Purchase said “many knives and a toy gun” were found during a police operation at the building, which has been derelict for years.
Purchase said there had been an increase in crime in the area thought to be emanating from there, especially theft out of motor vehicles.
She said according to police, only three people live there “although there is much coming and going of undesirable types”.
Johan van der Merwe, the mayco member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning said the city was aware of the current situation and had in the past served notice and obtained court interdicts against the previous owner to bring the building in line with the health and safety requirements of the National Building Regulations.
“However, one of the directors of the company, Cape Shore Investments (Pty) Ltd, that owns the property has since passed away and his estate is being managed by his two sons, who are the remaining directors of this company.”
Van der Merwe said it was the city’s understanding that the building was auctioned off.
“However, city records do not yet reflect the change in ownership. The city’s Planning and Building Development Management’s Building Inspectorate is investigating this matter.”
Farrell Perling of the ClareMart Auction Group, which advertised the auction in May, said their mandate had since expired. But he said he understood the owner had received an offer subject to due diligence.
In 2009, it was auctioned for R12.8 million to Demindex Properties which announced a R10m overhaul of the building which they renamed Le Diamante. But this never materialised and reports at the time said legal proceedings were also instituted after the previous owner claimed the developer had defaulted on the conditions of sale.
Muizenberg councillor Aimee Kuhl said there were a number of legal issues pending.
“The building has had a High Court ruling for liquidation and a long history of complications.”
Kuhl said the fact that the owner had passed away would add to the complexity of the situation.
“The building inspector is in contact with the owner’s representatives in Johannesburg, who have agreed to provide information towards the sale of the property. I am meeting with the building inspector on Tuesday to discuss a concrete way forward.”
Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut confirmed there had been cases of theft in the vicinity between Muizenberg and St James, all of which were being investigated and received necessary attention. “At this stage no suspects are being linked to the squatters in this building. All complaints regarding this building and occupants receive attention when reports are received.”
Cape Argus