The Western Cape High Court has granted the City of Cape Town, along with the National Departments of Home Affairs and Public Works, permission to move ahead with evictions at the Wingfield and Paint City sites.

The properties, situated in Kensington and Bellville respectively, have been unlawfully occupied by foreign nationals since the height of the Covid-19 lockdown.

According to the court’s order, the Sheriff is authorised to personally serve eviction notices, with translations provided to ensure full understanding by those affected. The order comes after years of attempts by the government and aid organisations to reintegrate or repatriate the remaining occupants.

Hundreds of foreign nationals initially housed at the sites have already accepted support to return to their communities of origin or countries of birth, with assistance from the government, non-profit organisations, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

However, around 160 people remain at Wingfield, and roughly 200 at Paint City. Authorities say these groups have refused every offer of assistance, while continuing to demand relocation to Europe or Canada — a request deemed unlawful and unachievable.

The City highlighted safety concerns at the Paint City site, where violent conflict has broken out between factions of residents and with law enforcement. It also highlighted mounting public complaints about crime, traffic disruptions, and waste issues associated with the long-term occupation.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said this joint application aims to restore these sites to their original public use and to bring an end to the undignified conditions for the sake of the unlawful occupants and the general public.

” – as these sites have generated a great deal of public complaints, including traffic, crime and waste challenges,” added Hill-Lewis.

The Department of Home Affairs continues to bear expenses for tented accommodation and related matters at the sites, which cannot reasonably continue with repatriation and reintegration operations now that these operations are long concluded.

The new eviction notices mark the final step in a drawn-out process that began when the foreign nationals were moved under emergency regulations from Greenmarket Square and the Central Methodist Church during the 2020 lockdown.

READ MORE: Plans to evict foreign nationals from Wingfield and Paint City