NOMTHANDAZO Mahlangu was overjoyed when her dream of owning a house came true.
But more than 15 years later, she was still living with her parents in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
According to the 57-year-old, a known businessman hijacked her RDP in Kagiso, Mogale City, and built a brick wall around it. Making matters worse, the rates and taxes were not being paid and Nomthandazo is getting legal threats saying she owes almost R100 000.
The SunTeam has the title deed, which lists Nomthandazo as the owner. She said she applied for the RDP in 1999 but didn’t know it was ready until 2011.
“At first the rates were R29 000. I was shocked and rushed to the municipal offices to confirm,” she said.
She said she went to the house to investigate and found a stranger living in it. It turned out to be a man who owned taxis, a shisa nyama and car wash.
“He was rude. He claimed he bought the house legally. I was puzzled,” she said. “I want my house back!”
Her son Sihle said: “We’ve been to the housing department several times. The man failed to produce documents, yet he insists he’s the rightful owner.”
When the SunTeam contacted the man, he referred queries to Nemakanga Attorneys, who declined to comment over the phone and asked for a formal meeting.
Gauteng Human Settlements spokesman Tahir Sema said the matter would be investigated.
When the SunTeam visited the house we found the RDP has been pimped out and extended. The house has a brick wall around it.
