Red Ants evict multiple families near Mayibuye

Scores of families were left stranded following the burning of their shacks at an open land between Rabie Ridge and Mayibuye section on May 2.

The community said it is the second time their homes were destroyed, saying the first demolition took place on April 30.

According to community member Hasani Mnisi, about 3 000 families watched in horror as their shacks were destroyed by the Red Ants.

He said they were sitting in their houses when the Red Ants invaded the area and encircled everyone without alerting the community of the eviction.

“I have two wives and 13 children that I have to share a one-room shack with in Tswelope,” said Mnisi.

He said he joined the land seekers to create a decent home for his children.

Mnisi said community leaders investigated the land to find out who the landowner was.

He said it was discovered the land once belonged to Pakistanis who may have defaulted on an agreement with a particular bank.

“The government took the land back from those Pakistanis.

“We spoke to a family in Centurion who distanced themselves from the land as the family’s rightful owner of the land had already died.

“This land has been vacant for many years without being developed.

“Our brothers and sisters get killed in this open land, our women are raped in this open veld,” said Hasani.

He said they contacted the housing department at the City of Joburg and did not get help. They took the matter further, to mayor of City of Joburg Herman Mashaba.

Mnisi alleges Mashaba agreed to give the land to the people as long as it is done legally, following the right channels.

A number of the displaced families swore they are not going to vote if the matter is not resolved.

The City of Joburg has been contacted for comment.