Seasoned actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson has taken her tenants to court, seeking an eviction order for failing to pay almost R550,000 in rent and related property charges. Through her company, Connie Ferguson Trading Enterprise, she approached the Johannesburg high court in August, alleging that Vikar and Trisarnia Maharaj, a married couple, remained on her Ruimsig, Johannesburg property despite the cancellation of a sale agreement. The property, located at 426 Stallion Road, Ruimsig Township, was purchased by Ferguson's company in 2017 for R6.8m.
According to Ferguson's founding affidavit, the Maharaj couple entered into a R65,000-a-month occupational rental arrangement after signing an agreement to buy the property on October 28, 2025. They took occupation on December 1 that year but soon fell into arrears with their occupational rental. Ferguson's company issued a formal notice of breach of agreement on April 1, but instead of seeking immediate eviction, Ferguson and her representatives engaged with the couple. A meeting on May 14 was convened at the Maharajs' request, where they acknowledged being in breach and cited fraudulent conduct by their accountant.
Ferguson claims that the couple asked to remain in the property while securing a new sale agreement and bond approval, and her company agreed on the condition that they settle all arrears, maintain their occupational rental, and provide financial documentation. The couple allegedly asked for until July 31 to "regularise" their position and remedy the arrears. They made partial payments of R165,000, but Ferguson asserts this was insufficient to resolve the outstanding account. Her company subsequently decided to pursue the eviction in court.
The Maharaj couple has opposed the eviction application, filing a notice of intention to oppose on October 7. However, their notice does not outline the grounds of their defence. Ferguson's lawyer, Mr Malope, stated that Ferguson was not involved in the rental agreement process, while estate agent Dean Mtshali declined to comment. Attempts to contact the Maharaj couple directly were unsuccessful.
Ferguson states that her company is suffering ongoing financial prejudice because it cannot freely use or sell the property while the Maharajs remain there. She also notes that a deed search indicates the couple owns two other properties, suggesting they have the financial means to secure alternative housing. Ferguson argues that their eviction would not render them homeless or dependent on state resources.
The dispute has led to a complex and protracted court battle. Ferguson's company is seeking to recover R549,302, comprising occupational rental, municipal utilities, effluent, and related charges. The case will likely continue to unfold in the coming months as the Maharaj couple prepares its defence.
As the eviction case continues, Ferguson's company remains committed to recovering the outstanding debt and securing the property. The actress and businesswoman has built a reputation for her successful career and entrepreneurial ventures, and it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved.
Key points
- Connie Ferguson seeks to evict tenants over R550,000 debt
- The Maharaj couple has opposed the eviction application
- Ferguson argues the couple has the financial means to secure alternative housing
