Family left destitute
For a family where three members are disabled, life has made a nasty turn
Living off disability grants, life has left a sour taste for this Douglasdale family.
Matriarch Tania Hofmann, disabled since birth with her 24-year old daughter with physical and mental disabilities, her other daughter aged 14, her 5-year-old granddaughter, and boyfriend also recently placed on a grant, was forcefully evicted from their home in Douglasdale earlier this year.
Boyfriend Michael, known as a father to Tania’s two daughters and grandchild worked for a business owner, who offered them a home where the family could live.
The deal was that their rent would be deducted from Michael’s salary.
The deal was that their rent would be deducted from Michael’s salary
With the verbal contract in place it didn’t take long for the owner to start locking them out from their home, and a war between the families ensued.
They claim that they were treated as squatters who were often locked out of the premises and who received endless legal threats.
The ordeal meant Michael losing his job and them becoming little more than squatters at a place they consider unsafe.
One of the reasons for the tragic turn was alleged drug use by the family, Hofmann said they had a 5-litre container filled with prescription drugs – not any other narcotic substances. She added they were branded as alcoholics, but denied the claim due to their limited monthly income.
All their possessions are still at the house. The family takes shifts to guard it as they try to make alternative arrangements, yet this has been made hard.
Hofmann explained her 14-year-old daughter has been admitted for psychiatric evaluation in Pretoria, for a string of traumas.
Hofmann explained her 14-year-old daughter has been admitted for psychiatric evaluation in Pretoria, for a string of traumas
Her mother claims she was molested by her biological father, bore first hand witness to domestic violence and was severely affected by the family’s recent struggles.
They claim authorities such as police and lawyers have done little to help the family.
“My ex-husband should take responsibility for his children, considering their circumstances, but he doesn’t give any financial support.”
“We feel as if we don’t belong anywhere, and won’t ever find help.”
