Moreleta Park property owners spend millions to reclaim land from unlawful occupation

It took millions of rands, endless court battles, and years of frustration before more than 130 illegal occupants were finally evicted from the ‘White House’ property, in Moreleta Park, on September 1.

The eviction, carried out by the Sheriff of the High Court, also saw the demolition of structures and buildings that had been illegally constructed on the 17-hectare land.

The property, situated behind the Plastic View informal settlement on Wekker and Brabham streets, was left in good condition when its owners relocated abroad years ago.

However, squatters moved in, leaving the site vandalised, used for illegal activities, and eventually turned it into a dumping ground that severely degraded the Moreleta Spruit.

Speaking on behalf of the owners, chairperson of the Pretoria East Community Caring Forum Deirdré van Helsdingen said the successful eviction was a moment of relief after years of frustration and financial strain.

“I am relieved that the Sheriff has 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 rands to protect what is legally ours,” she said.

The legal battle spanned several court appearances between 2023 and 2024, with last-minute applications by Lawyers for Human Rights delaying the process and incurring costs of millions for the owners. Van Helsdingen revealed that legal fees alone exceeded R617 000, while the Sheriff’s costs and service providers amounted to R650 000.

In addition, over R6.1-million was spent on security upgrades, including a 3.2m perimeter wall, cameras, and 24-hour guards.

“The financial burden was enormous,” she said.

“But it was necessary to protect the property and uphold the court’s rulings. No one should be allowed to move into someone else’s land and simply claim it as their own.”

Even the demolition of damaged buildings and the clearing of massive illegal dumping sites added further costs. In addition, SAPS resources and government protection of the Sheriff during operations meant taxpayers also carried part of the burden.

According to Van Helsdingen, occupiers were first notified in December 2022 that the owners intended to develop the property the following year.

She said in March 2023, the owners approached their lawyers, and by June, they were in the High Court for the first time.

“The judge ordered the City of Tshwane to compile a more detailed report on the occupiers, which was promptly submitted.”

A second appearance followed in November 2023, with additional documentation filed. Again, the Judge requested further information.

“By March 2025, the judge ruled that occupiers vacate the property by June 18, [but] despite being served with documents, they refused to leave.”

She said on June 17, just a day before the eviction deadline, Lawyers for Human Rights filed an urgent application to rescind the order. The Judge reserved judgment, stalling the eviction and leading to major financial losses. By then, the Sheriff’s fees had already exceeded R450 000, lost due to the sudden postponement.

“Finally, on July 14, the judge dismissed the occupiers’ application, varying the eviction date to August 31,” she explained.

She stated that now that the land has been cleared, the owners are moving ahead with plans to rehabilitate the environment and develop a formal residential area on the site.

According to Van Helsdingen, the metro has indicated that a Residential 4 development would be permissible.

She said architects are considering a fitness-focused lifestyle development aimed at young professionals, complete with running routes along the spruit and modern wellness facilities.

“We are looking forward to turning this land into a proper development,” she explained.

“Already, we are seeing signs of recovery. Birdlife is returning, and with proper care, the property and its surroundings can be restored.”

“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 land,” she said.

She thanked nearby residents for their patience during the prolonged process, as well as the metro for its support.

Brinant Security and Ferlio Group of Investigations have been contracted to secure the property against further invasions. In the meantime, clean-up operations are underway to remove the illegal dumping, with hopes that rainfall will assist in settling the dust and help the land recover.

Van Helsdingen also extended thanks to Moreleta Park residents who had endured years of disruption.

She confirmed that goods left behind on sidewalks were being cleared, with the metro’s assistance and assured residents that security would remain tight.

Van Helsdingen also credited the metro’s leadership, particularly COO Vuyo Zitumane, for her firm hand during the legal process.

The metro confirmed that it has no means to provide temporary accommodation for the more than 130 people evicted from the White House property in Moreleta Park this week.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said in a report submitted to the High Court that both land and budget constraints prevent the municipality from offering emergency housing.

“Funds within the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework are already fully committed to existing informal settlement upgrading projects,” Mashigo said.

He added that the metro would continue enforcing its by-laws on any illegal land grabs or unlawful land occupation.

ALSO READ: Squatters evicted from White House property following ruling

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