Law enforcement officers in Hangberg. (Roderick Damons)
The Western Cape High Court has ordered the City of Cape Town to rebuild the demolished house of a Hangberg resident, describing its “conduct” as “deplorable, grotesque and without care for human dignity”.
Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe on Wednesday ordered the City to immediately rebuild the man’s house – to the same size and dimensions.
The City of Cape Town has 48 hours to complete the construction and must prove to the court it has done so.
Ginola Phillips’ half-built structure was demolished by the City twice over the past month.
The demolition led to a number of running battles between police and residents of Hangberg in Hout Bay in June.
WATCH | Rubber bullets, rocks fly as police tear down structures in Hout Bay
The City has previously contended it was allowed to demolish illegal unoccupied structures being built on city land.
PICS | Crèche burns down as police, Hout Bay residents clash after structure demolished
More to follow.