Hawthorndene occupants faced with eviction

Update

GEORGE NEWS - An eviction order was served on 28 people who have been illegally occupying the flats adjacent to the Hawthorndene Hotel for many years.

On Tuesday, George Magistrate Emma Moloro set down two hearing dates for nine people who opposed the eviction.

The George Legal Aid branch will represent them on 5 and 12 December in A-court.

The rest of the Hawthorndene flat residents have given the magistrate undertakings to vacate voluntarily.

Magistrate Moloro accepted the agreements made between residents and the new owner, Andries Troskie of Aviostar (Pty) Limited.

The property was sold at auction on 28 September this year.

One of the oldest residents, Ida Buck (92), said she had put her faith in the hands of the Good Samaritans of George who have thus far done wonderful things for her, including providing for an eye operation to restore her sight.

Ida Buck is one of the residents who has been ordered to vacate the premises she has been illegally occupying for the past six years. As the oldest resident at age 92, she has faith in the Good Samaritans of George to help her.

Derelict
In the many years that the old building stood neglected (attempt after attempt to find a new owner failed), the premises even saw the birth of a baby.

There were the odd squabbles between residents, but the worst incident was when drug addicts half-destroyed the old building that dates back to the previous century, when they lit a fire in one of the rooms.

The place was also stripped of building materials and a gaping hole was left in the roof when the geyser was stolen.

Clean-up
A team of cleaners have systematically stripped away the debris and rot. The premises are now secured with electrical fencing and gates.

The George Municipality is assisting some of the residents to fill in the paperwork needed to qualify for emergency housing.

Read previous articles: