MLANGENI FAMILY ILLEGALLY LOCKED OUT OF HOME AT SUNBIRD VILLAGE

Sunbird Village housing estate in Elspark, Germiston

By Pat Ndleleni

The homeowners of Sunbird Village Sectional Title Scheme in Elspark are calling for urgent intervention following the unlawful lockout of the Mlangeni family, including minor children, from their home on 22 July 2026.

The property was purchased outright in cash.

Allegations Against Henriet De Ru
Homeowners allege that Henriet De Ru has been intimidating residents while using the title “Advocate of the High Court of South Africa”.

It is further alleged that De Ru has attended homeowners’ houses to issue threats, and has given instructions for electricity to be switched off without a court order.

Vast evidence of this conduct is available and can be provided upon request.

The Legal Practice Council confirmed in writing on 2 June 2026 that it does not have a Henriet De Ru registered as an Advocate.

Homeowners are questioning how an eviction and utility interference can be carried out by a person not recognized by the LPC while an active criminal investigation is underway.

Alleged Instruction by Alfred Vananswegen
Following confrontation by the homeowner, Alfred Vananswegen verbally informed Mr. Mlangeni of house number 16 that the instruction to break into the home and change the locks was issued by an individual purporting to be an Advocate. *No written statement was provided by Alfred Vananswegen.

Board Governance Concerns Homeowners allege ongoing governance failures within Sunbird Village.

The Sunbird Board of Trustees is comprised of a husband and wife residing in the same house and owning one unit, as well as tenants.

Residents further state that trustees have confirmed via email that Henriet De Ru is being paid on a monthly basis from homeowners’ money, irrespective of owner disagreement.

Residents describe this as resulting in a lack of accountability, restricted freedoms for owners, and the imposition of excessive and unjustified levies.

When the Mlangeni family reported the matter at Elsburg Police Station, police officials stated that Alfred Vananswegen had shown them a court order dated February 2026.

Police further stated that irrespective of a fraud case or new findings, they could not arrest Alfred Vananswegen.

A criminal case of fraud was opened at Elsburg Police Station on Saturday, 20 June 2026 after 17:00 under CAS 158/06/2026.

The case was withdrawn the following day, Sunday, 21 June 2026. Following escalation to the Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, the case was subsequently reopened.

The fraud case implicates the same individual in the alleged illegal sale and loss of other properties within Sunbird Village.

Homeowners cite the opening and withdrawal of the case over a weekend as further evidence of negligence and irregular handling at Elsburg Police Station.

This matter has also been reported to the Office of the Minister of Justice, with homeowners requesting urgent intervention to prevent further illegal evictions.

Residents allege this forms part of a broader pattern where homeowners in the 141-unit estate are losing their properties through irregular processes.

Multiple attempts by the Sunbird Village homeowners to secure assistance from authorities have been unsuccessful.

The Sunbird Village community is requesting urgent media attention and public support to prevent further illegal evictions and financial losses, and to restore lawful governance to the scheme.

Evidence can be provided upon request, including the LPC letter dated 2 June 2026, photographs of the damaged property, the February court order, trustee emails, records of intimidation and utility interference, and details of CAS 158/06/2026.