Red Ants still on duty
After rioters petrol-bombed RDP houses, the Red Ants were deployed to prevent further damage in Kagiso Extension 13.
The Red Ants are still guarding Kagiso Extension 13 near the intersection of the R41 and Impala Road after they forcefully removed illegal occupants on Monday, 5 September.
A number of people occupied the land in question early last week, claiming that it was up for grabs and all one had to do to qualify for it was to bring an ID document for registration purposes. As early as Sunday, 4 September, people were erecting shacks on the land. After local police tried to intervene, the Red Ants were called to evict the illegal occupants.
During a preliminary assessment conducted in the area by the Mogale City Local Municipality and the police, it was ascertained that the rioting land invaders had badly damaged the area. In excess of 110 newly built houses were damaged, five houses were petrol-bombed and windows, doors and kitchen sinks were either broken or stolen. The Mogale City Municipality has opened a case of malicious damage to property and police confirmed that one suspect has been arrested while others are still on the run.
“We will work with the Gauteng Provincial Government and the West Rand District Municipality to ensure that the houses are allocated to deserving beneficiaries. We will also complete all outstanding work that will enable us to deliver more houses to the people of Mogale City,” said Mogale City spokesperson, Nkosana Zali.
