Germiston Eviction Uncovers Alleged Abuse of Low-Cost Housing

Germiston, South Africa — A large-scale eviction operation in Germiston has revealed allegations of abuse in the city’s low-cost housing programme, with reports suggesting that police officers, metro officials, and high-earning individuals were occupying units intended for the poor.

Allegations of Misuse

Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Fred Kekana stated that during Tuesday’s eviction of over 1,000 residents from 422 units, authorities recovered uniforms belonging to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

Kekana alleged that some occupants were high-salary earners who did not qualify for subsidised housing and had been living there without paying rent. In certain cases, individuals reportedly owned up to six state housing units and were subletting them for personal profit, including to foreign nationals.

"These are not the intended beneficiaries. They have been pocketing rent, privatising the area, and blocking access to people who genuinely qualify for low-cost housing," Kekana said.

READ: Germiston Home Affairs Fire: Key Documents Safe, Mobile Services Deployed

Eviction Operation

The eviction followed months of consultation and a court order issued on 26 June. While some lawful tenants remain unaffected, the operation faced fierce resistance:

• Road blockages
• Stone-throwing
• Torching of the local Home Affairs office, suspected as a diversion tactic

Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to identify the full network involved in the alleged illegal occupation and subletting.

READ: Police Fire Rubber Bullets During Tense Germiston Evictions

Implications

The revelations highlight potential corruption and mismanagement within South Africa’s low-cost housing sector, raising concerns about oversight, accountability, and equitable access for the most vulnerable citizens.