The occupant of a bakkie parked next to the road vigilantly keeps an eye on the items, ranging from boxes, toys and kitchen accessories to cupboards and other personal items, that are strewn across the pavement.
Mitchell Vorster (48) has been living like this since he was evicted from his house in Lindhaven on 24 January. “I have been consuming Red Bull, Dragon and Bioplus in an attempt to stay awake so I can keep an eye on my possessions,” a clearly emotional Mitchell said.
He has been working for himself for the past 20 years, and used his bakkie to do tree felling, rubble removal, garden services and general maintenance work, but everything started to go downhill when his vehicle broke down. “I tried to get someone to help me fix the van in order for me to keep on working, but was unsuccessful. I started working for someone who made burglar-proofing and everything went well for a while,” he said.
Then, on 24 January, he heard someone calling at the gate, and when he went outside, he found it was the Sheriff. “He asked me if my name was Mitchell and when I said yes, he demanded that I open the gate. He then directed his team to go through the house. They took all of my possessions and dumped them outside on the pavement. My pleas to be granted until Friday to pack them in boxes so they wouldn’t be damaged, fell on deaf ears,” said Mitchell.
Since the eviction, he has not been able to go back to work, as he is too scared to leave his possessions unguarded. “People walk past and just take my stuff, from right under my nose. Even in broad daylight! I am awake the whole night and feel drained during the day. I am an emotional wreck!” he said indignantly.
But, as if this wasn’t enough, his fiancée has also left him and taken their twin daughters with her, leaving Mitchell with nothing to live for. “I haven’t seen my girls since December, and missed their first school day and birthday which was in January. My phone was stolen, and I do not have any of my friends’ numbers to call for help. I am alone, with nobody to help me through this embarrassing time. I’ve lost my family and my life!” he said, as he broke down crying. He also had to say goodbye to his 17-year old Rottweiler, after she hurt herself and had to be put down. “She just couldn’t cope with living outside like this,” he said.
According to him he took a long time to collect everything he owns, but he is at the stage where he would just sell everything he owns and walk away to start over. “I will have to sell everything I have; tools, furniture, my bakkie and my work tools. I am not even sure what I have left, because most of it has been stolen already,” he said with tears in his eyes.
There are a few kindhearted people who have been trying to help him out, including some of the neighbours and blockwatch members who have brought him something to eat and drink. “The people have been so kind to me and I am grateful for that. It is not always that somebody does anything for free,” he concluded.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
