Kosovo residents claim victory as case is withdrawn
The case against two residents of Kosovo Village in Emjindini has finally been withdrawn.
The case against two residents of Kosovo Village in Emjindini has finally been withdrawn.
The case against Herbert Sibanyoni and Mxolisi “Jikeleza” Mhlanga was withdrawn at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court last Monday (November 3). The two men had appeared before the local magistrate court on several occasions since their arrest on February 21.
They have been out on free bail. Const Tutu Nkosi said they were facing charges of contempt of court.
The residents of Kosovo have been occupying the piece of Umjindi Municipality land since 2012.
A court order forcing them to vacate the land was obtained at the North Gauteng High Court by the municipality.
However, some have been defying it as they are stll on the land.
On August 15 last year, the SAPS led by the Sheriff of the Court, raided the Kosovo area and demolished several shacks. But barely an hour after they were demolished and the police left area, the residents started rebuilding them.
Four people, Sibanyoni and Mhlanga as well Themba Masilela and Themba Madonsela, were arrested on September 2013 in what the leaders who orchestrators their stay, say was an intimidation tactic by the council. Their case was later withdrawn.
Then again on February 21 this year, Sibanyoni and Mhlanga were rearrested by the Barberton SAPS at about 04:00 for continuing to reside at Kosovo Village, which is owned by Umjindi, and ignoring an order to vacate the property.
During their various court appearances, their case took a dramatic turn on April 17 when their state lawyer representing them, Nomsa Morera, had to excuse herself, citing being under pressure from a settlemenysenior politician.
Later on the case had to be postponed as the Umjindi witness Rakgadi Chabedi, assistant director for human settlement unit in Umjindi, was on maternity leave.
The case was finally withdrawn on November 3.
Vusi “Snopo” Gwebu, one of the leaders who orchestrated Kosovo Village, said the withdrawal of the case meant victory for them. “People will continue to occupy the Kosovo area until the municipality provides us with suitable land with all the infrastructure installed,” said Gwebu.
