Judge Thulare Says He Never Received Eviction Notice Over Cape Town Home

Western Cape High Court Judge Daniel Thulare says he has not received any official notice instructing him to vacate the State-owned residence he occupies in Cape Town.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure confirmed on Sunday that a notice had been issued to a Western Cape High Court judge to leave the government property.

Thulare has lived in the four-bedroom house for several years, paying a subsidised rent of R900 per month.

However, the judge said he only became aware of the alleged notice through media reports and has not been formally informed.

Subsidised State housing linked to previous role

Thulare was originally permitted to stay in the government-owned property during his time as Cape Town’s Chief Magistrate.

His lease agreement reportedly expired in October 2018 and was never renewed. Despite this, he continued residing in the property after his tenure in that role ended.

The situation has drawn political attention following his appointment to the Western Cape High Court bench in 2022.

According to critics, the housing arrangement should have ended once he moved into his new judicial position.

DA backs eviction move after filing complaint

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the decision to issue the notice to vacate the property. The party had previously filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Conduct Committee regarding the matter.

Nicholas Gotsell, the party’s National Council of Provinces representative on security and justice, said the judge no longer qualified for State housing after becoming a High Court judge.

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“The DA welcomes minister Macpherson’s action to evict Judge Daniel Thulare of the Western Cape High Court for unlawfully occupying a State house. Judge Thulare has occupied the house for the past four years since he became a judge, a benefit that he is not entitled to.”

Despite the political pressure and the department’s confirmation that a notice was issued, Thulare insists he has yet to receive any official communication regarding the matter.