Residents of the Saxonwold Drive Gupta compound in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, have expressed mixed emotions about its impending auction.
Each of the three houses that are etched into infamy as the “Saxonwold Shebeen” will go under the hammer on July 24 in a simulcast auction.
Yesterday, the neighbours of the Gupta fugitive family told Sunday World that they were happy, while others stated that they were concerned that the new owner might turn the compound, which also boasts a helipad, into a commercial business.
Rafiq Patel said that it was good that the huge property was going to be auctioned. However, his concerns were that he did not want to see those who would buy the compound build a hotel.
“It is good that these properties are going to be auctioned, however, I must state that we don’t want to see those who will buy it demolish those properties or turn them into a hotel.
“We still value our properties, and truth must be told that since those properties were neglected, that affected the value of our houses,” said Patel.
Another neighbour, Graig Dart, who was walking his dog yesterday, said that he was happy that the compound would be auctioned, stating the property had been neglected for many years ever since the Guptas left.
“It is sad to see what the Guptas had done while they were here. These buildings were an eyesore, as there was no maintenance, with long grass growing in the yard, while the walls were cracking, and with paint peeling off.
“It is an eyesore for us who live here, as you can see rust and the messed-up state it is in. We lived through this terrible legacy left by the Guptas,” said Dart.
A neighbour who lives down the road also stated that the dilapidated mansions had affected his property’s value.
“The compound looks like a wreck… haunted mansions, as you can see how badly it is neglected. We hope that whoever is going to buy it will never turn it into a commercial business, as we will never allow that.
“We used to see this street busy with state vehicles lining up while the Guptas were here, but what those people did left decay in this area,” said the neighbour.
But whoever can pony up the cash for these properties will need deep pockets.
The most expensive of the three dwellings is valued by the municipality at R31-million.
The sprawling abode measures 1 840m2 and brings the Johannesburg metro R 29 433.78 a month in rates and taxes.
The second of the three houses was valued by the municipality at R21 731 000 and that allows it to bill R19 186.08 in monthly rates and rates.
The third house, is more affordable and in line with most of the neighbouring homes at almost 340m2. This attracted a municipal valuation of R5542 000, while monthly rates sit at R6 304.81.
Together, the compound boasts 28 bedrooms, enough to accommodate a football team.
Auctioneer Clive Lazarus of Park Village Auctions said this was the last of the Gupta assets up for disposal.
“We were the official auctioneer for all of them,” he said, adding that this includes mine properties in various provinces.
“The auction is on Thursday July 24 at 11am, and it is a simulcast auction. So, what we are saying is that it’s live and online simultaneously.
“However, in order to enter the race, you’ll see from the advert you have to put up half a million rands for number five, another half a million for number seven and R250 000 for number three.
“Now should the offer not be accepted, your money is fully refundable,” said Lazarus.
Sunday World was unable to confirm how much has already been recouped of the estimated billions the Guptas owe.
The man in charge of selling the assets to pay off Gupta creditors, business rescue practitioner Louis Klopper, was driving when he took our call.
He promised to return to us later, before apologising for being held up in meetings.
The compound is open for a walkabout tomorrow and next Monday.
