Forced removal sparks violent protest
The community is hell-bent on erecting the shacks and will continue to do so until the executive mayor of Johannesburg meets with them.
Scores of shack dwellers were removed from vacant land next to Rabie Ridge on February 13.
Roads were blocked off with burning tyres between Rabie Ridge and Mayibuye along Modderfontein Road by community members.
Community members claim the Red Ants and JMPD officers tore down their shacks and took their building materials.
JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that the illegally built shacks were demolished by both Red Ants and the JMPD.
The community is hell-bent on erecting the shacks and will continue to do so until the executive mayor of Johannesburg meets with them.
Chief Supt Minnaar told The Tembisan the JMPD will uphold the law.
The Tembisan was first referred to the director for mayoral communications and then later to the MMC for Community Safety for comment. Attempts to obtain a response were futile as they were locked in meetings.
According to the community, the executive mayor of Johannesburg, Clr Herman Mashaba, allegedly promised to meet them on Friday. Community members have threatened to continue these protests until someone listens to their grievances.
The SAPS communications officer, Captain Moana Matsobane Masela, said people from around Rabie Ridge, Kanana, Mayibuye,and Phomolong are illegally invading the land.
“The police are still liaising with the municipality to identify the owner of the land before action can be taken,” said Captain Masela.
