‘We Are Sitting Ducks’: Melgisedek Occupants Await Crucial High Court Ruling

Occupants of the infamous Melgisedek building in Pretoria are sitting ducks as they wait to hear the outcome of a court case between the DA in Tshwane and the City of Tshwane in the High Court in Pretoria this month.

The Building

Located near the Union Buildings, the Melgisedek building is undergoing demolition following its condemnation as a notorious, hijacked, and unsafe structure. It has been plagued by severe overcrowding, crime, and fire incidents.

Last month, a court ordered the eviction of illegal occupants. The relocation process has faced legal challenges from organisations like AfriForum , regarding the safety and suitability of the proposed temporary relocation sites.

Stolen Tents

The so-called Melgisedek Groot Trek has been temporarily halted while the vacant piece of land on the corner of Nico Smith Street and Johan Heyns Drive stands empty and vulnerable.

Gezina resident Mike Grobler said some of the tents meant to house the Melgisedek residents had already been stolen.

“I hear that five of the tents were stolen last week. A hole was cut in the wire to steal it and, worst of all, there is a security guard on duty 24 hours a day.”

Grobler said residents were grateful that the attempt to dump the occupants in the area had been stopped.

The Court Cases

DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink said they were waiting for the outcome of the application for leave to intervene in the case against the City of Tshwane by 9 April.

“Over the years, the DA has been fighting the cause to have Melgisedek restored and protected as a heritage site. The way this administration wants to do the eviction will only move the societal problems of Melgisedek to a different location.”

DA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said there were three cases linked to Melgisedek, including the DA’s case, Lawyers for Human Rights, and the city’s eviction order, which will be heard in court this month.

The City’s Response

City of Tshwane acting MMC for corporate and shared services Hannes Coetzee said last week’s High Court dismissal of AfriForum’s urgent interdict was a victory for safety and fairness.

“This ruling upholds the eviction order previously granted by the high court and removes the final legal barrier to implementing a humane and responsible plan.”

“Preparations are complete, and this will ensure that no-one is left without shelter during this transition.”

The Bottom Line

Multiple court cases. A stalled relocation. Stolen tents. Occupants waiting.

The city says the legal barriers are gone. The DA says the plan will just move problems elsewhere.

For the people of Melgisedek, the only certainty is uncertainty.

{Source: Citizen}

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