Officials from the Randburg South-West Sheriff of the Court carried out an eviction at the corner of Main and Bond streets on May 22, removing illegal occupiers who had defied a legal notice ordering them to vacate the property.

Sheriff Fanie Venter said the occupiers had been served with legal documents on April 8 instructing them to leave the premises and comply with a warrant issued against them. Despite having more than six weeks to make alternative arrangements, they remained on the property and did not comply with the order. When it became clear the occupiers would not leave voluntarily, the court authorised officials to proceed with the removal.

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Venter said the eviction had been conducted in accordance with the legal process and that the occupiers had been given adequate opportunity to vacate before officials intervened. He said the occupiers had exhausted all formal avenues available to them. “These people are illegal occupiers. They were informed that they have to move out, but they did not comply, so there are no further steps for them. They must just look for alternative accommodation for themselves.”

One of the occupiers, who identified himself only as Goldie, said the eviction had been a long time coming but that a series of previous false alarms had left residents dismissive of warnings. Over the years, various individuals had approached the occupiers claiming to hold eviction notices or proof of ownership, but those claims had repeatedly turned out to be fraudulent. “That made us despondent to any information saying the place has been bought. Most of the people that came through, it was a fake attempt.”

Goldie said the property had originally been established as a shelter for women and children, but that men had gradually been permitted to stay as well. He said he had been living there for two years and had been running a storage business from the premises, with goods belonging to him and fellow occupiers still locked inside the building when the removal took place. “I could not get them out. I’m losing a whole lot of valuable things, clothes, and I’m losing a business as well.”

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Despite the losses, Goldie said he had accepted the outcome and had no intention of mounting a legal challenge. “This corner lot is in high demand and it’s of great value. I guess maybe it’s time for change. Things change and we also have to adapt as human beings.”

He added that he had savings set aside from his business and was confident he would not be left without support. “I’m grateful to God and I have good relations with people that I know.”

The landlords, who were present during the eviction, said they intended to station security guards at the property overnight to prevent the occupiers from returning. The building is set to be demolished once the site has been secured.

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