HOEDSPRUIT – The Maruleng Local Municipality has demolished several illegally erected structures along the R527/1 at Blyde Jonkmanspruit in Hoedspruit in an operation aimed at improving public safety and preventing illegal land occupation.

The early morning operation was carried out by municipal law enforcement officials in partnership with the police, Farm Watch and private security personnel.

In a statement, the municipality said it remains committed to protecting municipal land, upholding the rule of law and working with all stakeholders to ensure safe, orderly and sustainable communities.

Reaction from residents and leaders

The demolition has, however, generated mixed reactions from residents and political leaders, with some welcoming the move while others questioned how those displaced were assisted.

DA Maruleng Clr Portia Moropane said the party supported the municipality’s decision, saying that decisive leadership was needed to protect communities.

“We believe that decisive leadership was required to protect communities, uphold the rule of law and ensure that public spaces remain safe and functional,” Moropane said.

“Ticking time bomb,” says councillor

She added that the structures posed a danger because they had been erected close to the road. “It was a ticking time bomb. It is good that decisive action was taken before disaster struck.”

Moropane also criticised attempts to portray the issue as racially motivated.

“Such divisive narratives ignore the inhumane reality. A total of 176 adults with children were forced to live there without sanitation, drawing water from the river and with no electricity. That is not dignity, and it is not sustainable.”

Resident questions support offered

While expressing sympathy for people who had been earning a living in the area, she maintained that action was necessary, claiming the settlement had become associated with criminal activity.

One resident, responding to Moropane’s statement on social media, questioned whether sufficient support had been provided to those displaced. The resident said they are unhappy with the manner in which the situation had been handled, claiming many people had been left stranded.

The person also questioned reports that alternative accommodation had been offered, saying many affected individuals had indicated that no shelter had been provided. Concerns were also raised about informal traders who allegedly lost their means of earning an income.

DA responds to displacement claims

In response, Moropane stated that, according to information available to the DA, the municipality had transported some affected people to their designated homes and arranged accommodation in Finale, although some individuals reportedly declined the offer.