An elderly Reefhaven man (73) is rebuilding his life after allegedly being held hostage, assaulted and starved inside his own home, which community members say had been hijacked and vandalised by drug users.

SSOP NPC chairperson Leon Marinus says neighbours contacted him a few weeks ago with concerns about unusual and strange activities at the home of an elderly man living alone.

Marinus explains they co-ordinated an operation with law enforcement and other security partners. During the operation, they found and removed eight individuals who had hijacked, vandalised and lived on the property.

While it is unclear how long they had been living there, Marinus says the owner of the house was allegedly held hostage, assaulted, and starved by them.

“They stole everything from him, including cellphones, bank cards, a car, furniture, appliances, electrical wiring, plumbing, and more,” Marinus says.

Marinus adds that the organisation, together with volunteers from the newly launched SSOP NPC community projects team, and Reefhaven community members, joined forces to help restore the man’s dignity and safety.

Armed with cleaning equipment, refuse bags and determination, on May 28, volunteers spent hours clearing debris, removing unwanted items, repairing broken items and cleaning the property to make it habitable once again. The team also bought him groceries.

Community members described the condition of the house as heartbreaking, saying that no elderly person should have to live in such circumstances.

“We are trying to give this man something to live in again, as our community projects are focused on making a difference in people’s lives.

Also read: SSOP hosts 2026 community engagement meeting

“We have security that is constantly patrolling the house, and Reefhaven community members have also volunteered to bring him a plate of food and hot water to bathe every day.”

Marinus mentions that law enforcement, their security partners and the department of social development are aware of this case.

Speaking to the Roodepoort Record, the elderly man expressed distress as he described the horrific conditions he had been living in. He says he knew one of the individuals, who had initially come to visit but never left. That person invited his friends, who would assault him at times, even at gunpoint, and demand things from him.

Despite his ordeal, he expresses gratitude to SSOP NPC, saying he now feels safe again with constant patrolling and gates locked.

Marinus concludes by saying this is an ongoing project and donations of furniture, clothing and other helpful items are welcome. For more information, contact SSOP NPC on 010 021 0178.