Property evictions are becoming a rising trend, especially among the most vulnerable members of the Katutura community.

This morning saw a family of nine, including four children, being forcibly removed from their property in Frans Hoesemab Street in Katutura, which was almost comparable to a high-profile crime scene. 

Six police cars filled to capacity, deputy sheriffs, and a breakdown vehicle took over the street in the heart of Katutura to the outrage of community members.

The target of this overwhelming presence of law enforcement is house number 93, which belonged to Martha !Hoaes, an 89-year-old woman who died six months ago.

On our arrival, we found that the !Hoae family had locked themselves inside the property, telling us that they should be dragged out or even killed for the only house they knew for over 50 years.

Katutura East Councillor Richard Gaoseb was also at the scene in an attempt to negotiate and block the eviction.

We are told that although the house was in arrears with Standard Bank, arrangements had been made to grant a grace period for the family to raise the outstanding N$50,000. 

Sources allege that a grandson of the late elderly homeowner, however, went into cahoots with bank officials to cancel the payment arrangements and instead put the house up for auction.

The Deputy Sheriffs, legally empowered to enforce eviction orders, determined that the family would not voluntarily leave the house, and enforcement was momentarily brought in.

It was a sombre moment as the family's dilapidated and meagre property was removed.

Elma Gaoses is the youngest daughter of the deceased owner of the house. She and her eight-month-old baby sought refuge from neighbours across the street for the time being.

The story of this family is not unique to them, as it resonates across Katutura, where many households have been left scattered through court evictions.

This is but another, where those involved hope the wheels of justice will soon turn in their favour. 

In the meantime, they have vowed to camp outside the property until the matter is resolved.