Thelma Petersen and her son Sidney want to gate their boundaries.
An Eastridge mother has been told by a City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services officer to remove a newly-installed a gate on her boundary as it bars her neighbour from accessing his property down the driveway.
Thelma Petersen, 71, told the Plainsman on Wednesday January 5 that a fire officer was on her premises two days before demanding that she remove her gate, which she had saved up for to cordon off her property.
A law enforcement officer escorted the fire officer to Ms Petersen’s house.
“I am an elderly woman and do not deserve to be treated like this, to be threatened with a R10 000 fine and that I may go to jail,” she said.
Ms Petersen said early last year a building inspector had confirmed her boundary and that she was well in her rights to safeguard her property.
Ms Petersen said she had been living in Otello Crescent for about 40 years and had survived criminals hiding in gaps which were not gated, and stealing from her yard.
Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Jermaine Carelse said the house had a dedicated driveway leading into the property but that Ms Petersen wanted to create another driveway into their property, which impedes the exit to the adjacent property which is not allowed.
“This is a ’cul-de-suc’ type of configuration and the driveway leading to the entry of the other properties must be cleared at all times.
“No vehicle parking or impediment is allowed,” he said.
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for law enforcement, confirmed that officers accompanied the fire officer on the visit to the said address.
City departments request a law enforcement escort if there are safety concerns.
Ms Petersen’s neighbour refused to comment.