People fight over RDP houses
Officials apparently take no action against people occupying houses illegally.
eMBALENHLE – People are fighting over RDP houses that apparently do not belong to them.
This problem is continuing with housing officials not taking action to end the illegal activities.
The Echo and the Ridge Times investigated complaints by Mr Jabulani Dlamini (25) from the Mandela Section and Ms Christina Msiza (63) last week.
Mr Dlamini claimed to have been renting a shack in the past two years while people are illegally living in his father’s house.
His father, Mr Mzikayifani Phineas Dlamini, died in Barberton in November 2010.
The people who are living in the house said they found the house abandoned and used by criminals.
Ms Nopaseka Mokoena (45) said they were advised by Mr Simon Mabena, Ward 20 councillor, and members of the ward committee, to occupy the houses and pay outstanding municipal services of about R16 000.
This claim was confirmed by Mr Mandla Mbatha, a member of the ward committee.
Ms Mokoena said they are prepared to leave the houses provided that they are given alternative places by the municipality and are not chased out by Mr Dlamini because the house apparently does not belong to his father.
Mr Henry Masango, head of Marketing and Communications of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said according to the deeds register the house belongs to Mr Mzikayifani Phineas Dlamini and he stated in the request on the housing application form that he has one dependent, Ms Annabel Dlamini, his daughter.
“Therefore, any person who wants to lay a claim to the estate of Mr Dlamini should approach the Master of the High Court office and apply for a letter of authority instead of assassinating people’s characters by making wild and unfounded claims.”
On the other hand, Ms Msiza is up in arms, claiming Mr Pofo John Ndlovu is trying to steal her daughter’s house in Extension 15.
Her daughter, Ms Khabo Emely Xaba (41) has been admitted to the Standerton TB Hospital.
Ms Msiza noticed Mr Ndlovu cleaning the garden a few weeks ago and they had a fight over the house.
She now spends her day looking after the house and suspects housing officials are involved in trying to get her daughter’s house.
Mr Ndlovu said the house is registered in his name.
Mr Masango did not comment about Ms Msiza and Mr Ndlovu claims at the time of going to press.
