Residents of Kosovo Villa rearrested

Yet again, two defiant residents of Kosovo Village in Emjindini were arrested by the SAPS at about 04:00 on Friday February 21.

Herbert Sibanyoni and Mxolisi “Councilor” Mhlanga were pounced upon by the local detectives while asleep. According to the police another wanted person (whom they wouldn’t identify), also resided in the area, but was not found at his shack.

This is second arrest of Kosovo residents in less than six months. Last September Sibanyoni and Mhlanga, as well as Thomas Masilela and Themba Madonsela were arrested.

Surprisingly, when arrested, they were charged with trespass, but when they appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court they faced a different charge – that of contravening a court order. At the time, residents had accused Umjindi Municipality of using state organs (the police) to intimidate them.

According to Barberton police spokesman Const Tutu Nkosi, a warrant of arrest had been issued against Sibanyoni, Mhlanga and the third person. “This followed a surprise raid by our detectives to arrest all people who had been issued warrants. He said the three were facing charges of contempt of court.

Both men appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court last Friday. They were granted free bail pending their next court appearance.

Lucky Shongwe of Umjindi Community Forum (UCF), which orchestrated the settlement of the residents of Kosovo, said this was another political ploy by the Umjindi Municipality. “We last met the council when we went to the North Gauteng High Court. We have not since met them to discuss anything or the conditions that were set out over our occupation of the area,” said Shongwe.

He also accused the detectives of not following the right procedure when arresting the two. He said they had since handed the matter to their legal representative of who he declined to name.

Community members started to occupy the municipal land illegally in 2012 on the grounds that the council had failed to fulfil its promises to them. Barberton Times had previously reported that the residents claimed that the executive mayor, Lazarus Mashaba, had verbally promised they would received stands. The village, which has never been officially recognised by the council authorities despite the residents’ longstanding claim to the area, has been demolished more than twice in the past two years. Every time, residents have tried to rebuild their homes, constructing makeshift shelters in the same place.

Sibanyoni and Mhlanga will appear again at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on March 6.