When Solomon Kokomane received the wonderful news in 1998 that he and his family was getting a RDP house in Mohlakeng, he was overwhelmed with joy. Now, 17 years later, his joy has turned to misery.
Since 1998, Kokomane and his family have been living in the Zenzele informal settlement with no electricity, running water or toilets.
“I was so happy when I heard the request for a proper house was approved by the municipality, I could walk with my head high because I knew I was providing a better live for my wife and kids,” Kokomane explained.
Since then the house on stand 6201, Extension 4 in Mohlakeng has never been handed over or occupied by Kokomane. He claims a councilor stole his house.
Kokome explained “When I went to the house, a Randfontein Municipality Councilor was living there. On multiple occasions I went to the municipality to inquire about the property and to find out when I can move in but I never got any answers.”
On his last visit to the property, Kokome found a man living in his house. When asked why he lived there, the allegedly told Kokome that he purchased the house for R15 000 from a councilor. Kokome then told the man the house could not be sold as it was still his property.
“The man told me that he would not move until he got his money back for the house. I cannot pay him and I believe it isn’t my debt to pay, it is my house after all,” Kokome explained further.
On Monday (13 April) Kokome again went to go see the Randfontein municipality where he did receive a proof of ownership stating that the property is his.
The Herald contacted the DA councilor Craig Harrison who confirmed that there had been a previous case where a Mogale City councilor sold RDP houses in Rietvlei which he was tried and convicted for. Harrison also said that according to his knowledge there haven’t been previously or currently a councilor in Randfontein by the name Kokome mentioned to them.
The Krugersdorp municipality has been contacted by Harrison to inquire if the councilor works there. If it is confirmed that the councilor works there, further steps will have to be taken against the councilor who is not allowed to be a councilor in Krugersdorp if he stays in Randfontein.
The matter is being investigated further but for now Kokome will have to be satisfied with living somewhere other than his own house.
