"My investigation team will give priority to urgent cases such as those of older persons who [have been] waiting for houses they applied for over a decade ago and those whose houses had allegedly been taken away by the municipality over unpaid electricity bills," said Madonsela.

She also vowed to forward residents' complaints to government.

"We will make sure that all the issues brought to our attention reach them for their immediate action while we also try to find the truth for purposes of bringing relief to communities."

The Protector said she had received numerous other complaints, which include the poor condition of some of the houses and problems with waiting lists.

Other people complained their houses were being wrongfully occupied, while some said people given houses were leasing them out to foreigners to use as shops.

One group complained they were promised to be prioritised on the housing list when they were relocated from one area but this had not happened.

A team from Madonsela's office was expected to work with authorities to individually address the complaints.

Madonsela said she would meet the provincial executive and legislature to discuss the complaints this week.

"Other service delivery issues raised included lack of medicine at the local hospital, lack of basic infrastructure, allegations of nepotism and unethical tender awards as well as 'homophobic' police," she said.

The Protector will travel the province until Wednesday.