The high court of South Africa has issued an eviction notice to the people who have been illegally occupying the St Christopher’s boarding establishment, in Blackridge Pietermaritzburg, for over two years.

According to the report released by the high court, the unlawful occupants forcibly invaded the St Christopher’s Boarding Establishment and unlawfully took occupation of the property.

The occupation of the premises took place without the consent of the owners of the property.

Eviction notice

The Pietermaritzburg high court issued an eviction notice that will give the invaders 10 days to leave the property before the sheriff has the right to forcibly remove them from the property.

The illegal occupiers have to appear at the high court to oppose the eviction order where they can apply for legal aid to assist them in their defence.

In previous articles covered by The Witness, the Department of Education had previously attempted to get rid of the illegal occupiers in June 2021, and after two years, the high court has finally issued an eviction notice.

In June 2021, then KZN Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu said the matter had been brought before court.

“Our legal services directorate is handling the matter with a view to having the illegal occupants evicted. Once that process is finalised, the building will be handed over to Linpark High School.”

This comes after numerous reports and attempts by the community as well as the Department of Education to remove the invaders from the property.