Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe found the City’s conduct unlawful and unconstitutional, ordering it to rebuild the structures demolished by City Law Enforcement within 48 hours. CapeTimesSA
Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has been dealt a blow after the Western Cape High Court found in favour of poor residents of Hangberg, Hout Bay, that the DA-led council had evicted in the middle of winter and lockdown.
Community activist Roscoe Jacobs said yesterday: “We are overjoyed with the fact that the court has ruled in favour of the community of Hangberg. We welcome the fact that the City has been found to have broken the law. The judgement has also highlighted the fact that the City is not above the law and therefore we call on the City to hold those who have taken and implemented this decision accountable because they have violated our community’s human rights,” Jacobs said.
“Despite the City offering two alternative sites for the structure to be built, and making it clear that notice had been given at the time not to erect the illegal structure, the judge still ruled in favour of the occupant of the illegally erected structure. This ruling was made despite the judge challenging the applicants yesterday on why they did not accept the alternatives offered,” Plato said.
The case between the South African Human Rights Commission and the City has meanwhile been postponed.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Court gives City of Cape Town 48 hours to rebuild house it demolishedPhillips alleged the City had broken down his Wendy house 'without any legal process'.
Read more »
Court orders Cape Town to rebuild home demolished during lockdownThe City of Cape Town broke the law when it demolished a shack at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe ruled on Wednesday.
Read more »
Court orders Cape Town to rebuild home demolished during lockdownGinola Phillips and the Hout Bay community of Hangberg sued the city following the demolition on June 19. According to judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe, it was the second time officials had destroyed Phillips' Wendy house.
Read more »
Cape Town city council calls for national government to reopen its deeds officeCity of Cape Town mayoral committee member for economic opportunities and asset management James Vos has urged the ministers' personal intervention to allocate more resources to ensure the Cape Town deeds office continued with its operations.
Read more »
Cape Town doctor describes her day in a Covid-19 wardAt work she has a quick cup of coffee and big gulp of water, knowing she won’t get a break for a while. At the entrance to the wards she starts in the clean room, donning her personal protective equipment (PPE).
Read more »