Settlers return after JMPD removal
Informal settlers are back at the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Witkoppen Road after JMPD removed them on July 10, leaving many in tears as they return with nowhere else to go.
Informal settlers at the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Witkoppen Road are back on site just days after being removed by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), with many in tears as they continue to seek shelter and opportunities in Fourways.
The removal took place on July 10 in a joint operation with Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy, CRUM, and other service providers. The operation, aimed at addressing illegal structures and debris following a grass fire on July 7, saw JMPD demolishing approximately 30 structures on the slip road.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to address illegal occupations in Fourways and that a comprehensive clean-up in partnership with Pikitup would be needed to secure the area.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Informal settlers at the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Witkoppen Road are back after JMPD removed them on July 10. Edward Khumalo, who spoke on behalf of the settlers said they were moved without notice and left with nowhere to go as they continue seeking shelter in Fourways. While Joseph breaks down in tears, saying he lost his belongings in the fire and the JMPD operation, leaving him with nothing as he tries to survive on the streets. #informalsettlement #witkoppenroad #winniemandeladrive #immigration #fy #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
The removal left many settlers in tears, telling Fourways Review they had nowhere else to go and returned to the site because they are seeking work opportunities in the area while struggling to find housing.
Also read: JMPD clears illegal settlers after long community push in Fourways
Edward Khumalo, who spoke on behalf of the settlers, said, “We don’t intend on breaking any laws, we just need help with proper housing. We are here because we are looking for jobs, and we had to return here because we had nowhere else to go.
“Now the situation is even worse, as many have lost their IDs and personal belongings in the fire… All we ask is for the city officials to help us; we have children living here.”
One of the settlers, Joseph Shabalala, broke down in tears, saying he lost all his belongings in the fire that the authorities alleged was started by them. “ I lost everything, I am only left with what I am wearing. When the fire started, I was not even here. I came back to find my belongings all burned to ashes.”
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