Darling St eviction case delays 'justified'

THE Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), currently in a legal battle seeking the eviction of residents at 104-106 Darling Street in Cape Town, has defended itself against criticism that it is not following the proper legal process.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

The property is believed to be among the 338 buildings that are owned by the department, which are believed to have been hijacked and/or illegally occupied.

In the DPWI’s court papers, it argues the Darling Street address consists of two properties: a dilapidated three-storey building and vacant land adjoining it, which it says “has become vulnerable to unlawful land grabs or land invasions”.

The DPWI is seeking an urgent notice as an interim eviction, with the assistance of the Sheriff of the Court and the police, and notices on boards would be displayed to inform the occupants that their personal belongings would be removed.