When a neighbours’ dispute over a boundary wall turned violent in 2021, a Gqeberha man landed in hospital with multiple stab wounds and two brothers found themselves before court, where they were convicted of attempted murder, reports the Daily Maverick.

Municipal officials conducted an investigation into the dispute and the Public Protector’s (PP's) Office was involved to seek a resolution.

But nearly four years down the line, Mzwandile Damane said the matter was still unresolved and lodged an appeal against the findings of the PP’s report.

While he is still not on speaking terms with the neighbour who almost claimed his life, Damane and Vuyani Gcakazi find themselves on the same side for once – both wanting to see the land dispute resolved and the matter put behind them.

The saga dates back to 2009, when Damane inherited his father’s home in Mzilikazi Street, Kwazakele, and suspected that the neighbours had moved the boundary fence to encroach on his property.

He confronted his neighbour, Eunice Fambu, about the matter several times and even lodged an inquiry with the municipality in 2014, requesting that the property be measured and compared with the original title deeds.

The conflict came to a head on 3 December 2021 when Fambu’s two son’s attacked him. 

The DM reports that Vuyani and Andile Gcakazi were arrested and convicted of attempted murder in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court.

They were handed a four-year suspended sentence in July 2023.

The PP’s final report found that the boundary wall encroached on Damane’s property, severely limiting his access to sanitation and electrical infrastructure.

However, it also found most RDP houses in the street were placed incorrectly on their respective plots, causing a series of complications. 

It was determined that the boundary wall between the properties needed to be demolished and rebuilt.

The PP closed the file in August 2023.

But Damane lodged an appeal in June. Damane said he hopes to receive feedback on his appeal soon.

Full Daily Maverick report