Zingisani Nkamana, CEO of the Ekurhuleni Housing Company (EHC), has revealed that a criminal syndicate known as the “Pet Forum” has been hijacking rental properties, collecting illegal payments, and intimidating lawful tenants—leading to mass evictions at the Pharoe Park housing complex in Germiston.
Nkamana made these revelations during an interview following violent clashes during the execution of a court-ordered eviction. The eviction, granted on June 26, 2025, came after years of failed negotiations with illegal occupants.
Hijacked Properties and Unpaid Rent
According to Nkamana, out of 440 units in Pharoe Park, only 17 tenants were consistently paying rent to EHC. The remaining units were occupied by illegal tenants, many of whom were allegedly paying rent to the Pet Forum syndicate instead of the housing company.
“We sought to regularize the occupants as far back as October 2024, but the syndicate continued collecting rent by force,” Nkamana stated. “Those who refused to pay were assaulted, and in some cases, even killed.”
Violence and Intimidation
Nkamana described a climate of fear, where EHC officials and Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD) officers faced violent resistance when attempting to verify legitimate tenants for alternative accommodation.
“EMPD vehicles were damaged, and our staff had to withdraw due to extreme violence,” he said. The syndicate’s grip extended beyond Pharoe Park, with similar takeovers reported in Delville and Airport Park complexes.
Residents’ Claims vs. Court Order
Despite claims from some occupants that they were not informed of the evictions, Nkamana insisted that all illegal tenants were represented in court by legal counsel before the eviction order was granted.
Police Action Delayed
When questioned about police intervention, Nkamana acknowledged that EHC had provided authorities with the syndicate leaders’ names but noted that legal processes in South Africa often face delays.
Conclusion
The evictions highlight a broader crisis of housing hijackings and criminal exploitation in Ekurhuleni. As displaced residents protest, EHC maintains that the evictions were a last resort after years of revenue loss and failed negotiations.
The situation remains tense, with concerns over where evicted families will relocate and whether law enforcement will dismantle the alleged syndicate.
