The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has agreed to investigate a house in Punt Road linked to drug dealing.

This follows a meeting with Strandfontein ward councillor Elton Jansen.

The property, known as ERF 617, 57 Punt Road, sits on the boundary between Philippi and Strandfontein. Residents have described it as a den of drug abuse and drug trade, and have linked it to gang activity and shootings in the area.

A petition calling for the eviction of the occupants and the demolition of the house gathered more than 1 000 signatures within hours of being created on 23 July. The number has since grown to over 1 300.

What was discussed

The meeting, held on Wednesday 5 August, was called to address growing frustration among residents, Jansen said on his WhatsApp channel. The main demand from the community is the eviction of the occupants and the demolition of the house as a matter of urgency.

The department confirmed that the property is on its asset register, meaning the government owns it. Officials said the property was supposed to be empty when the department took ownership.

However, the department noted that the occupants of the house, referred to as the Green house, have tenure rights — legal rights to live on the property.

The department also acknowledged that the area, described as a breadbasket, is important for its land reform plans.

Police raids and community frustration

Police have conducted several raids at the premises, but residents say the building remains occupied. The City has previously dealt with the property through its problem-building process, but no lasting solution has been reached.

Strandfontein Community Police Forum chairperson Sandy Schuter-Flowers previously said the house fuels the gang violence and drug trade that spills over and threatens families. She said a majority of residents supported the petition.

Jansen, who started the petition, said the legal process of evicting the occupants and demolishing the house was taking too long. The petition called on Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso to fast-track the eviction process.

Who attended the meeting

The meeting included Kay September, acting director for property management, Nyameko Mgoqi, acting chief director at the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, and Andre Booysen, director for the Cape metro.

Schuter-Flowers joined the meeting online. An apology was received from the Strandfontein Police Station commander.

What happens next

Officials agreed that a permanent solution was needed and that all government departments involved should work together, including police and law enforcement.

The department requested three weeks to investigate the matter. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the first week of September.

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