How residents are illegally evicted

Residents may be unaware of the increasing number of illegal evictions that tenants are being subjected to in our suburbs.

How does it happen, you may ask? Quite simply and easily as follows.

A person or a number of people arrive and claim they are the new owners and as such have arrived to evict the tenants. Often it is claimed that notices had been posted and the notice period has expired so, move out. Or, the evictors claim to have been appointed by the owner to attend to the eviction. A variation may be. I/we are the new owners and will be collecting your rent in future. (When this happens, no receipts are issued).

Another ploy used, is that the tenants must vacate the house as renovations are due to take place with immediate effect.

In fact the only person who can legally evict anyone is the Sheriff of the Court. This can only happen if he has been instructed to and has in his possession an eviction order issued by a magistrate of a judge. Obtaining an eviction order can cost the owner anything from R10 000 to R20 000. These imposters seek to avoid these legal costs using a ploy as mentioned above. Remember only the Sheriff can evict.

If you suspect foul play contact your local councillor, CPF and/or SCF and SAPS.

Cllr Dennis Jane, 083 701 8856 or email dkjane@global.co.za