Glen Marikana shacks demolished in Kempton Park
Residents said they had been living in Glen Marikana for a long time and added that they didn’t deserve the treatment they received.
Glen Marikana residents have been evicted from a piece of land which they had been occupying illegally in Glen Marais since 2016.
The eviction began on July 24 with the demolition of shacks by the sheriff of the court.
Several residents have said they were not given enough time to move while others said they had not received any notice informing them about the eviction.
“As a resident here in Glen Marikana I didn’t receive any notice. I was shocked when we were told that we have to move out with our belongings. I am worried because I have nowhere to go,” said Lindokuhle Molefe.
Residents said they don’t know why they were evicted.
ALSO READ: National Shutdown: Glen Marikana protesters list their demands
Some added that they had been living in Glen Marikana for a long time and added that they didn’t deserve the treatment they received.
“Some children were born here and grew up here. Now they tell us we have to go. Where must we go? As South African citizens we don’t deserve to be treated like this,” said Ditiro Mamporu.
Residents told the Kempton Express that the eviction was painful for them because everything that they worked hard for was destroyed.
“I’m deeply hurt by what is going on. There was no need for the authorities to destroy our furniture and food. We worked hard for those things,” said Mamporu.
Glen Marikana committee member Ellen Mashiane said the pain was only deepened by the shooting of a community member the Saturday before the eviction.
“I feel sad. This is painful because we have children. Many of us didn’t have a chance to eat. Our children went to school without eating.”
The eviction was monitored by EMPD and SAPS as well as private security companies.
EMPD media liaison officer Marie Mashishi said that the EMPD’s role in the process was to escort the court sheriffs to ensure that things do not get out of control.
According to Mashishi, residents from Glen Marikana were given notice to leave the property in April.
“Every two weeks from April the residents were reminded that they had to leave. The day of the eviction was not the first time residents found out about the plans to carry out the eviction,” she said.
She added that the eviction was completed in five days and there were no reports of injuries.
EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said that the eviction order that was granted for a particular day was nothing more than a rumour to the residents of Glen Marikana.
ALSO READ: Family desperate to find missing Glen Marikana man
Dunga said residents were not formally served eviction papers.
“They just heard that on a particular day that an eviction would take place. Leading up to July 24, we had numerous conversations and interactions not only with the landowner but also with attorneys and the Department of Human Settlements.
“Unfortunately, there is a hard approach by the owner of the land who said the residents must go at all costs,” said Dunga.
Chairperson of the community safety committee councillor Lethabo Rachidi said that the residents of Glen Marikana moved to alternative land in Thembisa.
ALSO READ: Family desperate to find missing Glen Marikana man
City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that the city was aware that the sheriff carried out the eviction of the residents of the Glen Marikana informal settlement.
Dlamini confirmed to the Express that an alternative land was provided in Thembisa
“The city has committed to relocate the destitute and homeless people who have been evicted,” said Dlamini.
He added that the eviction was carried out by the court’s sheriff and not the CoE.
The Express sent an enquiry to ward councillor Jaco Terblanche on July 27. At the time of going to print, no comment was received from the councillor.
