Judge calls for dignity & reputation of hostels to be restored

DURBAN - A Durban High Court judge has made a call for the restoration of the dignity of hostels.

Judge Mokgere Masipa said that criminal elements had tarnished the image of hostels across the country.

Masipa presided over the Glebelands hostel murder case, in which eight people were killed in Umlazi in June 2023.

She sentenced the convicted murderers to life imprisonment, with an additional 15 years for firearm-related charges.

The judge also pointed out that criminal elements seemed to be having a negative effect on hostels.

Judge Masipa said that hostels were initially designed to make housing affordable for many, adding that some hostel residents were genuinely trying to make an honest living.

But she said that crime had completely changed how hostels were viewed.

"The criminal activities linked to these hostels, including drug trafficking, violent crimes and gang operations, have led to increased law enforcement crackdowns, media scrutiny and community distrust."

She said this had a negative impact on hostel residents.

"This has further marginalised residents who rely on hostels for survival and placed additional strain on efforts to improve living conditions."

The judge said it was time to clean up hostels.

"Law enforcement must take decisive action to remove criminal elements while government and community stakeholders must work to restore to dignity and reputation of these hostels."