Gupta compound auction met with mixed reactions from neighbours

Most expensive of the three dwellings is valued at R31m

- By Bongani Mdakane and Mzwandile kaBizokwakhe

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.