Elderly Pensioner And Family Face Eviction After 35 Years As Western Cape High Court Case Unfolds

A bedridden pensioner and her family are facing eviction from the home they have occupied for 35 years, despite having paid their rent in full and on time.

The matter is now before the Western Cape High Court after the property was sold by Communicare, a registered Social Housing Institution, to Purple Blok Projects (Pty) Ltd, which does not hold the same status.

Communicare has confirmed it no longer has any association with the property, stating that it neither owns the home nor initiated eviction proceedings.

The household includes the elderly woman, her adult daughter who is her full-time carer, a matric pupil preparing for final examinations and a nine-year-old child. They have lived at the property under a formal social housing lease agreement for more than three decades.

Western Cape High Court Eviction Case Sparks Concern Over Ruyterwacht Property Sale

Abdud Dayaan Keown of the Ruyterwacht Residents’ Association has raised concerns about the manner in which the eviction process has been carried out.

He said witnesses reported the presence of private security officers wearing tactical equipment typically associated with high-risk crowd control situations.

Keown described the use of what he termed “militarised gear” at the home of a bedridden elderly woman and children as intimidating and disproportionate.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Unlicensed Scholar Transport Drivers Risk Fueling Taxi Violence In Gauteng, Traffic Department Warns

“A representative for Purple Block Properties was assertive during the enforcement process and repeatedly stated that the family ‘must be thrown out,’ expressing frustration that the Sheriff of the Court was ‘taking too long.’ Individuals present state that the Sheriff was pressed to proceed more quickly with enforcement steps,” he claimed.

Keown said the pensioner is entirely dependent on her daughter for care.

“Removing this family under such circumstances will be devastating,” Keown said.

He added that courts should weigh factors such as vulnerability, the length of time residents have occupied a property and the best interests of minor children when considering eviction matters.

Communicare Responds To Allegations Over Sale Of Social Housing Units

The eviction proceedings are unfolding amid ongoing court processes and a forensic audit into the sale and transfer of certain social housing properties.

Responding to the allegations, Communicare stated that it is not the current owner of the property and played no role in the eviction.

“Communicare is not the owner of the property and was not involved in this eviction,” the organisation said.

“In March 2021, Communicare announced that it would proceed with the sale of our remaining properties in Ruyterwacht.

“Tenants and their families were given first preference to purchase and were offered concessionary pricing. Sales to third parties only followed after this process had been exhausted.”