My landlord is threatening to evict me without going to court. Is this legal?

No — this is an illegal eviction. In South Africa, a landlord cannot evict you without a court order, regardless of how far behind you are on rent. Changing locks without a court order is a criminal offence. The landlord must apply to the Magistrate's Court under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act (PIE). You have the right to appear in court and present your circumstances.

Even if the court grants an eviction, you typically get 30 days' notice to vacate. If you have minor children or are elderly, courts often grant longer periods. Document everything — keep those WhatsApp messages as evidence of his threats.