EMPD demolishes shacks in Extension Seven
A scuffle between the residents and police erupted in the afternoon on Heritage Day after the residents tried to plead with the officers not to demolish their shacks.
Shack dwellers at Oakmoor’s Extension Seven informal settlement were allegedly fired at with live bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas when Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers were demolishing the residents’ shacks.
A scuffle between the residents and police erupted in the afternoon on Heritage Day after the residents tried to plead with the officers not to demolish their shacks.
Two of the residents survived gun wounds, including a 23-year-old woman who was shot in her left arm and a man who was shot in his leg.
Six people were arrested and detained at the Tembisa SAPS.
Another resident, David Mashilo, was seriously affected by tear gas and he accidentally swallowed thinners thinking it was water.
He was rushed to Tembisa Hospital by the residents.
It was claimed by the residents EMPD officers also impounded their vehicles.
According to a resident who wanted to remain anonymous, they started living on land in February, joining other residents who have been residing in the area for over a decade.
“The police arrived and started chasing us away from our homes. They never approached us in a friendly manner or sat us down. All they wanted to do was to destroy our belongings. I am confused and do not know whether to say they were trying to send a message to poor South Africans that we will die being poor and homeless. We are now homeless and have lost everything, including our important documents such as identity books. About 55 shacks were destroyed,” he said.
A resident, Julia Makwakwa (43), said she was beaten on her head by the officers.
“I feel terrible about what happened to us because if the municipality did not want us to reside in the informal settlement, they should have spoken to us. Instead, they preferred to send police to destroy our belongings,” added Makwakwa.
Meanwhile, Sello Moeng (46) said his shack cost him R13 000.
“I felt like I can cry when I stood there watching my belongings being burnt with no mercy. I have lost everything I worked hard for and thought I owned,” added Moeng.
The Tembisan has asked for comment from the EMPD offices and is still waiting for their response.
