Five District Six families have been ordered to vacate Victorian era cottages in Searle Street by 6 March 2026 after the Cape Town Magistrates Court granted an eviction order under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act.

The order favours private developer Etienne du Toit, who bought the properties from the Holy Cross Sisters in 2014. The magistrate directed the City of Cape Town to provide temporary emergency housing and social support to help the families secure accommodation.