S African Indian neighbour of President Zuma loses land case

Aboobaker will be out of pocket for millions of rands, as his property will be expropriated by the state with a Rand 7.6 million payment, while he still owes Rand 20 million on his bond. He will also have to pay the huge legal costs of the case.

Aboobaker initiated court action in 2005 after the government wanted to expropriate his property near the Union Buildings, seat of the South African government, citing the possible threat to the bordering estate where the South African Presidential guest house and ministerial homes are situated.

In court papers, the government said Aboobaker was putting a spanner in the wheel of plans to tighten up security on the estate, as his was the last property on the block was not owned by the state. The papers indicated that Aboobaker could unwittingly house saboteurs or attackers on his property.

Aboobaker countered this by saying that neighbours across the street from the estate presented the same potential problems.

The Pretoria High Court last year turned down an application by Aboobaker that the state provide full reasons for the expropriation, after which he sought a review. This has now also been rejected by Justice Natvarlal Ranchod.