The family of Ester Martin from Elyambala in Ongwediva are out in the cold after their plot was allegedly sold without their consent.

Attempts to appeal against the alleged irregular sale of land have failed.
The plot initially belonged to the late Riridis Kuutondokwa, who was Martin's mother.

It is reported that the house was transferred into her granddaughter's name while she was alive, but family members who stayed with her, including her daughter, Martin, now 66 years old, were unaware.

The granddaughter, who is married, had since sold the land to another person who has now evicted the family of 25 into the open.

A fortnight ago, Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel intervened to salvage the situation, but the courts ruled that the land was sold procedurally.
The minister's intervention had prolonged the stay of the family for about a month before its eviction this week. 

"My heart is truly in pain because I don't sleep anymore; I have to stay awake to protect my property out here. What is more painful is that my in-law just came here with his clothes, not knowing he was harbouring sinister plans to sell the only place we call home. I feel like a foreigner in my own country with nowhere to go and no assistance; it's painful to not have a shelter with all these children and grandchildren of mine. I really need help," cried Martin.

Ongwediva Mayor Naemi Amuthenu says the council has given the family a plot while they find their feet, but they have allegedly declined the offer. 

The family explained that the area offered is used for defecation, and it's unsafe. 
For now the family remains in a dilemma, asking for good Samaritans to come to their rescue, as they have no means to develop a new property.