Self appointed landlord hijacks city of tshwane building and collects rent

What a fascinating and complex issue!

It appears that a self-appointed landlord has taken control of a building in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, and is now collecting rent from tenants. This is a serious concern, as it raises questions about the legitimacy of the landlord's claim, the rights of the tenants, and the role of the City of Tshwane in addressing this issue.

Here are some possible reasons why this might have happened:

  1. Lack of effective property registration: In South Africa, property registration is a critical process that ensures the ownership and rights of property are recorded and protected. If the property in question is not properly registered, it may create an opportunity for a self-appointed landlord to claim ownership and collect rent.
  2. Corruption and lack of governance: Unfortunately, corruption and poor governance are common issues in many parts of Africa, including South Africa. It's possible that the self-appointed landlord has bribed or manipulated officials to gain control of the building and collect rent.
  3. Tenant-landlord disputes: Conflicts between tenants and landlords are common, and in some cases, a self-appointed landlord may emerge as a result of a dispute or a power vacuum.

To address this issue, the City of Tshwane and relevant authorities should take the following steps:

  1. Verify property ownership: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the rightful owner of the building and ensure that the property is properly registered.
  2. Evict the self-appointed landlord: If the self-appointed landlord is found to be unauthorized, take legal action to evict them from the property and restore the rightful owner's control.
  3. Protect tenant rights: Ensure that tenants are protected from exploitation and that their rights are respected. This may involve providing temporary accommodation or financial assistance to affected tenants.
  4. Improve governance and transparency: Strengthen governance and transparency mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

It's essential to address this issue promptly and fairly to maintain trust in the City of Tshwane's ability to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law.