Getrude Makhafola

Getrude Makhafola

A 60-year-old disabled Soweto pensioner has been kicked out of his house by his daughter and a relative.

Ernest Vilakazi of Emndeni lost his right leg to gangrene and walks with the aid of crutches. He also has no left eye after his face was burnt in an accident.

He said he had lived in the house for years with his partner, with whom he has two sons and a daughter. His partner died eight years ago.

Vilakazi, a retired mechanic, said he had to go and live with his sister in Mofolo after he was forced out of the house three months ago.

Vilakazi says he has paid the house up and has the papers to prove it.

"I have a title deed to my house," he said.

Vilakazi said a relative, Lily Zwane, came to his bedroom while he was sleeping, woke him up and told him to leave the house.

He said Zwane threatened him when he protested.

"I asked my sister Thandi to accompany me to the police station to get a protection order against Lily," said Vilakazi.

Zwane, who lives four houses away from Vilakazi's house, is his late partner's niece.

Vilakazi said they even went to court after Zwane violated the protection order.

He said he was shocked when his 42-year-old daughter Mpumelelo testified against him.

"I lost the case and the order fell away. I had to move in with my sister," said Vilakazi.

He said Mpumelelo moved into the house and she and Zwane changed the door locks.

When contacted yesterday, Mpumelelo said her father need not fear Zwane and that he should return home.