EVATON. – The company Director, De Wet Wessels told Sedibeng Ster that they are aware of 14 stands that have been illegally occupied. According to Wessels 5 of the 14 stands have already been demolished and there are plans to demolish the remaining 9.
Wessel says, “On 11 May, five illegal structures that were erected on property belonging to Space Securitization (RF) (Pty) Ltd were demolished with permission from the Johannesburg High Court.”
Wessels adds that as the legal owners of the land, they opted to act in terms of the court order to preserve the current and future property value in the area and to ensure that the area remains attractive and safe for future development.
However, the owners of the demolished houses said they had purchased the land for just over R20 000.
65-year-old Abel Ndongwe, one of the people who lost his house to the demolitions said it was devastating for both him and his wife that their dream home had been demolished just like that. Ndongwe said that he was not aware that the stand he bought was privately ownWhen Sedibeng Ster arrived at the scene, Ndongwe together with his wife and son were salvaging whatever could be salvaged from the destruction.
Ndongwe said that they would be seeking clarity from the person who had sold them their stand.
One of the people alleged to be selling stands in the area, Andrew Molefi from the Weldebeesfontein Evaton Community Association (WECA) says, “We are working with the Department of Human Settlement to bridge the gap. Stands are sold to those members of the community who do not qualify for RDP housing or home loans.”
Molefi said that he believed the way the demolition was carried out is unlawful as the matter of the land in question is still pending in court.
Wessels states that despite ongoing communication in a bid to find a fair solution, including extending the opportunity to purchase the land, no amicable solution was found.
“The awarding of the court order to demolish the dwellings was communicated by an appointed security and communications liaison with the illegal builders on numerous occasions. Only homeowners in possession of a valid title deed are legal owners of any property.”
