Destroying mail that isn't yours

[symbolofmylife]

Hey guys,

Silly, but quick question. We've got a bit of a residential issue I need to take up with our body corporate.

Is it ok to destroy mail of which you know the recipient? I mean, legally? Ok, that sounds stupid...lol

The reason I'm asking is a long story but in short in the age of moon-travel, ps3 hacking and wireless phone charging, our complex still has only ONE mailbox that's shared by all 28 units.

I received a note today from our useless caretaker stating that every sunday uncollected mail will be destroyed. For some reason I am under the impression that this is illegal...or maybe I am wrong.

Also, I never requested the old fart to bring me my mail.

If anyone knows if there's a law regarding this, help a brother out...

[Raven Gold]

I don't think it is legal. I'm not sure of the exact law, but until the mail has been put in the hands of the person it was sent to, it's state property, and the guy can be charged for destrying state propery.

Backup plan: For about R10 a month you can get your own post box at the nearest post office.

[anon815]

Backup plan: For about R10 a month you can get your own post box at the nearest post office.

There is most likely a queue though :P

[Weasley]

I don't think it is legal. I'm not sure of the exact law, but until the mail has been put in the hands of the person it was sent to, it's state property, and the guy can be charged for destrying state propery.

Backup plan: For about R10 a month you can get your own post box at the nearest post office.

wont it be like destroying private property also

[HoboMincer]

It isn't legal as far as I know. Just like it is illegal to read others mail. But if mail goes undelivered, it is to be sent back to sender. Never ever destroyed. This would make me furious if I was you :P

[Glordit]

Take a nice fat red marker and write "RETURN TO SENDER" on it and post it again, that what I always do.

Other than that the so called "Care-Taker" is HORRIBLY in the wrong. If he tosses important legal documents?

[PaPaRaZZ!]

Look on the bright side. If they send you speeding tickets... you wont get it and government can't prove you received it

[symbolofmylife]

Thanks all for your comments and inputs.

Ya, the fact that the owners of the complex cannot collectively dish out R15 000 (MAX...a total of R535 per owner....boo-hoo) to have unit-specific mailboxes installed is beyond me. Or maybe they havent thought of it yet. I am planning on proposing it.

And I stand by my point: I never asked the caretaker to be my mailman. So leave my sh*t in the box. I'll get it eventually....

[DenSweeP]

AFAIK it is highly illegal. He could be destroying anything from letters from Grammy to SARS documents or similar such.

I recommend you go hear from you closest Post Office or Postnet about empty PO Boxes.

[Murph]

Or tell your BC to pull his finger out and supply more mailboxes. One for a whole complex is ridiculous.