Forest hut not fit for fairies

The hut, a mere stone's throw from the upmarket Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, was discovered by the CGH Neighbourhood Watch (NW) when they responded to the woman's complaint.

GEORGE NEWS - The alleged harassment of a mother and son by a familiar forest dweller in Heatherlands has led to the discovery of a wooden hut in the forest, complete with reed fence and a vegetable and 'herb' garden featuring thriving dagga trees and not-so-happy baby tomatoes.

And though it sounds like every child's idea of the perfect secret hideout, the filth surrounding this dwelling paints a picture of debauchery, zero self-respect and a total disregard for the environment.

All kinds of junk imaginable are strewn around the hut and in the forest beyond, and discarded blankets and clothes litter the trees and shrubs.

The empty booze bottles, including sweet sparkling wine, would have JC le Roux turning in his grave.

The hut, a mere stone's throw from the upmarket Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, was discovered by the CGH Neighbourhood Watch (NW) when they responded to the woman's complaint about an unsavoury character that had threatened her and her son during their stroll near their house.

The neighbourhood watch discovered a steep footpath near the woman's house leading to the hut.

During George Herald's visit on Tuesday, the informal structure, erected near a stream, seemed to be abandoned, but Ben Schoeman of the CGH NW said they suspect the man had merely moved to another group of dwellings deeper in the forest where several other people also live.

"We haven't checked it out yet, as we need to go in as a group for safety reasons."

Schoeman says it is very difficult to rid the forest of these elements as they just relocate and pop up at a different location.

Another hotspot in the area in and around which informal dwellers like to stay is the old magistrate's house at the intersection of Arbour and Davidson roads.

The Camphersdrift River flows past the property, and the dwellers can often be seen washing their clothes in the river while their children scoot around on bikes under the trees.

The Southern Cape Police's spokesperson, Warrant Officer Chris Spies, told George Herald the police would take the necessary action within the parameters of the law when illegal squatting is reported. "However, it remains the responsibility of the landlord or owners to take steps on the occupation of the property," he said.

Most of the plantation land in the Heatherlands area is owned by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and managed by MTO Forestry, whereas the old magistrate's house in Davidson Road is owned by the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

As soon as George Herald establishes who owns the piece of land in Heatherlands where the abandoned hut is located, a follow-up story will be done.