South Africa - Court Orders Eviction of Remaining Foreign Nationals from Cape Town Sites
 |
| Congolese Refugees camping at Paint City in Bellville: They have refused to be integrated into South African communities fearing Xenophobic attacks and are demanding to be relocated to another country they feel safe |
The Western Cape High Court has authorized the eviction of approximately 360 foreign nationals who have been unlawfully occupying two government-owned sites in Cape Town.
The group, primarily refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, initially sought refuge at the UNHCR offices in 2019, citing safety concerns and demanding relocation to a third country like Canada. They were later moved to temporary accommodation at the Wingfield and Paint City sites during the national lockdown.
City and national authorities stated that repatriation and reintegration processes have long been concluded. They allege the remaining occupants, many of whom are employed, have refused all offers of support and continue to insist on relocation abroad rather than reintegration into South African communities.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stated the eviction aims to restore the sites to public use and address public complaints over crime and traffic issues. The city also reported ongoing violent tensions among occupants at the Paint City site.
