Montrose Park residents struggle amid harassment and property damage

Montrose Park resident Marie Lakay says her life has been thrown into turmoil after renting a backyard space that became the centre of conflict, intimidation, and property damage.

Originally from Bonteheuwel, Ms Lakay lived with her family in Bayview before moving to Montrose Park with her partner, Shevon Tyman. The couple signed a six-month lease with the homeowner, hoping for stability, but soon faced harassment.

Ms Lakay said the landlord’s relative intimidated them shortly after they moved in. Electricity and water were disconnected and redirected to the main house, leaving the couple without proper services for months.

She said their belongings were stolen, including items belonging to Ms Tyman’s son, and that the landlord’s stepdaughter had threatened to set their structure alight.

Tensions escalated when the couple was barred from using the main house toilet and, with no alternative, dumped their faecal waste behind their shack. Law enforcement later discovered the waste and held the homeowner responsible. A compliance notice was issued last year and handed to Ms Lakay by the landlord’s relative, warning that it should not happen again.

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the matter dated back to last year and had been resolved. He explained that the homeowner is responsible for any illegal dumping under the Integrated Waste Management By-law.

Officers inspected the property, confirmed tenants had enough bins, and advised them on legal disposal methods before closing the file. He said any new reports would be followed up on and reminded property owners to ensure tenants manage their waste properly, including applying for extra bins if necessary.

The couple recently left the property and are temporarily staying at the home of Ms Tyman’s late mother, but have been told they must move again soon. They claimed their shack had been broken into several times since speaking to the Plainsman.

Lentegeur police spokesperson Constable Navon Van Houten confirmed that an assault case against the landlord’s stepdaughter’s partner was transferred to Mitchell’s Plain police station.

A second matter, involving breaking in and theft, was closed after repeated attempts to contact the complainant. According to Constable Van Houten, the complainant had been asked to bring a witness to the station to provide a statement, which never happened, and the detective closed the case after a final visit on October 22.

After months of harassment, threats, and instability, Ms Lakay and Ms Tyman continue to face uncertainty. They have been forced to move between temporary homes for their safety and well-being, highlighting the challenges some Montrose Park residents endure while trying to find security and stability in their daily lives.

When the landlord's relative and the landlord were approached by Plainsman, they declined to comment.