‘White House’ squatters must leave by June or be removed, court orders

After years of legal battles and uncertainty, the High Court of South Africa has issued a landmark ruling ordering the eviction of illegal occupiers from the “White House” property in Moreleta Park.

The court ordered the over 120 illegal squatters that have for years made the Wekker Street property home to leave within three months with enforcement set for mid-June.

This ruling marks the third time the case has been heard in the High Court, following extensive legal proceedings and significant costs to resolve the long-standing dispute over the 17-hectare property.

The property is located behind the Plastic View informal settlement and was left in good condition by the owners, who relocated abroad several years ago. However, now they plan to return and develop the property.

The property now has been allegedly destroyed, with illegal activities happening there. It has also been turned into a dumping site resulting in massive environmental degradation for the Morelata Spruit.

Residents of nearby properties such as Meadow Glen Estate, have been complaining about the presence of squatters on their doorsteps.

A representative of the property owner and manager Deirdré van Helsdingen said the court has granted the occupiers three months to vacate the property.

“Once this period expires, all buildings on the premises will be demolished. Should the occupiers fail to vacate voluntarily, the Sheriff of the court will enforce the eviction order,” she said.

She said years back when the owner left, the property was still in good shape with proper fencing around, which has now all been stolen.

“Further they hang their clothes over the fence in direct view of the residents of Meadow Glen Estate.”

She said the owner has been paying property tax all this time, while squatters have illegally invaded the land, and are living rent-free.

“We will grant them time until June 18 to relocate, thereafter we will remove them via the Sheriff and demolish.

Van Helsdingen said she had mixed feelings about the court order outcome.

“On the one hand, I am relieved that we have finally succeeded in removing the unlawful squatters from what was once a beautiful property. On the other hand, I am furious that we must spend thousands of rand to protect what is legally ours,” she explained.

She said, unfortunately, this country has become overrun with crime, and respect for the law seems to be diminishing.

“The occupiers were informed about the eviction process two years and four months ago, yet they made no effort to find alternative accommodation. Instead, they resorted to threats against my life.”

Van Helsdingen said beyond the threats, they further invaded the property by establishing an illegal school.

“Our fence was broken down, wall bricks were stolen, and rubble was dumped on-site. Illegal activities have become rampant, creating a significant challenge for SAPS and nearby residents,” she said.

She said despite these setbacks they have already commenced with Township Establishment (Dorpstigting in Town & Regional Planning terms).

“For now, we are focused on cleaning the property, erecting a boundary wall, and securing the site. Once formal evictions are completed –a costly process through the Sheriff of the Court –we will proceed with the demolition of the buildings,” she continued.

“It has been a long and difficult process, but finally, the law has prevailed.”

She said evictions are planned if the squatters fail to relocate within the given grace period.

“However, this operation has been meticulously planned by Ferlio Group of Investigators, our security consultants in co-operation with police and Brinant Security.

We will inform the community once we enter the property, should an eviction through the Sheriff of the Court be necessary. All relevant, necessary security and safety protocols will be addressed well in advance, safeguarding the surrounding communities,” she emphasised.

Van Helsdingen said this is a significant step towards the restoring and uplifting of Moreleta Park to its former glory.

The court order provided to Rekord demands that all squatters must be evicted from the property.

“All those occupying the property by, through or under them do not vacate the property on or before June 18, the Sherriff of the Court or his lawfully appointed deputy is authorised and directed to remove them from the property,” read the eviction order.

The court order also directs that in the event the squatters fail to comply, the Sherriff of the Court or any person appointed by him/her is authorised to:

– Remove any structures built upon, materials used and any immovable assets found on the properties, upon effecting the demolition

– The materials shall be removed and disposed of by the Sheriff.

– The order also interdicts and restrains the squatters from re-occupying, taking occupation or invading the property again.

– The order further directs that any person interfering with the property after the eviction, damaging, threatening, intimidating and erecting shacks or structures on the property will be dealt with by police.

Van Helsdingen said the squatters were asked to vacate in December 2022.

“However, new people moved in against our first court order last year in June. Then our second order was in November last year and now the final eviction. We did everything by the book,” she concluded.

The Tshwane metro said the city will not provide any support to the evicted squatters.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the court order is very clear on how the matter must be resolved and the city is not cited in the court order.

“The city was requested to provide the report to [the] court regarding its ability to provide temporary emergency accommodation, which was submitted and accepted by the Court hence the court order,” Mashigo said.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.