Squatters evicted from White House property following ruling
After years of legal battles and multiple High Court hearings, more than 130 illegal occupiers were removed from the 17-hectare White House property on September 1, with demolition teams clearing the buildings.
More than 130 illegal occupants were evicted from the White House property in Moreleta Park on September 1, bringing an end to a drawn-out legal battle that has dragged on for years.
The eviction also saw the demolition of buildings inside the 17-hectare property following a High Court order.
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 develop the property.
Residents of nearby properties such as Meadow Glen Estate, have been complaining about the presence of squatters on their doorstep.
The property was allegedly destroyed, with illegal activities happening there. It was also turned into a dumping site, resulting in massive environmental damage to the Moreleta Spruit.
According to Deirdré van Helsdingen, a representative of the property owners, the Sheriff of the High Court carried out the High Court order and evicted the squatters.
Van Helsdingen said the squatters vacated the property willingly.
“We welcome this development and the work carried out by the Sheriff, now our focus is to work on the property, rehabilitate the environment and plan for the future of this property.”
She said the property has now been manned with 24-hour private security to prevent any re-occupation.
“We have also completed the building of the wall on the side of the Plastic View informal settlement.”
“We’re looking forward to turning this land into a proper development.
“I am relieved that the Sheriff 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.
The High Court Order interdicts and restrains the squatters from re-occupying, taking occupation or invading the property again.
The case has come at a significant financial and social cost to resolve the long-standing dispute.
Ward 91 Councillor Henning Viljoen welcomed the evictions.
“We are very grateful for the court order and Deirdré van Helsdingen for her work.”
He said the private and public partnership is very important in building the community.
“Through this eviction process that has dragged for years, [the] partnership has strived to be [the]core factor in building a suitable community.”
Viljoen said the removal of the squatters is a significant step in making ward 91 great again.
“We are very happy that at least the law has prevailed, and lawlessness is not tolerated.”
He expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the eviction processes.
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- ‘White House’ owner wants land grabbers gone
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