Cato Ridge couple worry as eviction deadline nears

The couple has been given until early next month to evict the immigrants from their property, called Hope Farm. 

Authorities at the Mkhambathini Municipality say they're in contravention of municipal by-laws. 

The refugees found themselves destitute after the closure of the Chatsworth camp which had been housing foreigners who had fled the xenophobic attacks in Durban earlier this year. 

Farm owner Andrew Wartnaby says he can not evict them without securing other accommodation for them.

"I find myself in a very difficult situation. They just don't have anywhere to go and at this stage and we're working as hard as we can. 

"We're pleading with everybody that you could imagine, all the role players that are involved, just trying very hard to find a good long-term solution. 

"Next month is a bit soon for us. We just need a little bit more time to be able to find a good long-term solution," he said. 

(File photo: Gallo Images)