Daveyton, Ekurhuleni – A family in Daveyton is facing a desperate Christmas after their home, a property passed down through generations, was demolished while they were inside.
The family, who lack the financial resources to pursue legal action, watched helplessly as their home on Esselen Street was reduced to rubble. The incident highlights the vulnerability of families facing property disputes without legal representation and the devastating consequences of such situations.
The house, originally owned by their grandparents, was allegedly sold by a granddaughter for R320 000, a sale the family vehemently disputes. The new buyer, whose identity remains unknown to the family, arrived on Thursday, 5 December, accompanied by security guards and a group of demolition workers. Armed with picks and sledgehammers, they began demolishing the house, even though the family’s furniture remained inside.
Speaking on behalf of the devastated family, Siphiwe Mokgoshi explained the circumstances surrounding the sale and subsequent demolition.
“Her dad died several years ago. The house legally belongs to their uncle, the only surviving kid of their gogo, who is currently in Cape Town, and it's difficult to reach him,” Siphiwe stated, referring to the granddaughter who purportedly sold the property.
He emphasised that this granddaughter was not listed on the property’s legal documents. The family’s attempts to halt the demolition were thwarted by the buyer’s swift and decisive actions.
The community attempted to intervene during the demolition, but the buyer returned the following day to complete the destruction of the family home. This act of defiance further underscores the family's helplessness in the face of such overwhelming force. The family’s desperate situation is compounded by their inability to afford legal representation. Repeated attempts to seek legal advice have been unsuccessful due to their financial constraints.
Siphiwe highlighted the emotional toll of losing the family home, a place filled with cherished memories.
“Those with money are taking our grandparents' legacy and memories. We'll be pointing at the house as we walk past, saying it once belonged to our grandparents,” he lamented.
The loss extends beyond the physical structure; it represents the erasure of a significant part of their family history.
The family's attempts to seek redress through the police were also unsuccessful. They were informed that the matter was a civil dispute, leaving them with little recourse within the legal system. This leaves the family with no legal avenue to challenge the demolition and reclaim their ancestral home. This lack of legal recourse underscores the vulnerability of those without the means to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Siphiwe’s siblings now face the prospect of spending Christmas on the streets, having lost their home and all their possessions. Siphiwe himself moved out some time ago after receiving threats, a move that sadly proved prescient. The granddaughter who allegedly sold the house has since disappeared, leaving the community searching for her.
Sthando Ramotho, Siphiwe’s aunt, shared her heartbreak, recalling numerous fond memories of growing up in the house. Her disbelief and anguish are palpable, reflecting the emotional devastation suffered by the entire family. The loss of the family home represents more than just bricks and mortar; it represents the loss of a significant part of their family history and identity.
Despite attempts by the Daily Sun to contact the buyer, all efforts proved unsuccessful. The family has confirmed that they do not know the buyer and lack any contact information.
This lack of information further complicates the situation, leaving the family with little hope of recovering their property or receiving compensation for their loss. The buyer’s possession of the title deed confirms the family's worst fears: they are no longer the legal owners of the property.
