Sheriff evicts Bez Valley tenants
The real problems started when a man started coming to the property and telling them he was instructed by the agent to come and clean the property.
The Sheriff of the Court has moved to evict a number of people living illegally at a house on 7th Avenue in Bez Valley.
The tenants claim the owner of the property is aware that they have been staying there for the last 12 years. One of the people who lived at the house, who only identified himself as Peter, initially said there was an agent tasked with looking after the property.
“He never fixed or maintained anything. Billing letters were sent regularly only to be thrown away,” said Peter.
He said the property was in such a bad condition that some of the tenants left. “We would have to ask for water from neighbours because we would be without water, yet we were expected to pay this agent,” said Peter.
According to him, the real problems started when a man started coming to the property and telling them he was instructed by the agent to come and clean the property. “We were alarmed by that and asked who had sent him, but he did not really tell us,” said Peter. A few days later, they were evicted by the Sheriff of the Court. “We were never given a chance to give our side of the story. We were kicked out and our valuables left on the street. Where are we meant to go?” asked Peter.
When the EXPRESS visited the residence, there was still furniture on the street. It was business as usual for the construction workers on the property.
“We were never given notice and we were refused the right to see the order. We were intimidated,” said Peter.
Now Peter and many others find themselves on the street, with no alternative roof over their heads.
The EXPRESS was given a contact number for a lawyer who used to act on behalf of the property owner. He said he could provide a contact number for the person handling the matter.
At the time of going to print, he had not done so.
Peter also provided a number which he claimed belonged to the property owner. He claimed the owner is living in an old age home in Durban.
The EXPRESS called the number numerous times, but it remained unanswered.
