UPDATE: Tshwane Metro Police continues relocation plans in Olievenhoutbosch
OLIEVENHOUTBOSCH - The Tshwane Metro police are continuing to relocate residents from privately owned land in Mooiplaas to Olievenhoutbosch.
On 2 December, the police attempted to move the former Mooiplaas residents into the area and were met with violent protests. “The residents had previously taken the City of Tshwane to court,” said the metro police’s spokesman, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba. “They lost that case and as per court order we are in the process of moving these people.”
Mahamba said the metro police’s main goal was to ensure safety during the relocation process. “As seen yesterday, the police were met with violence and two suspects were arrested for public violence.” When questioned about how they planned to maintain order in the area, Mahamba said “Yesterday morning we tried to disperse the crowd by firing rubber bullets and this morning as well (3 December), no injuries have been reported to us due to that.”
Mahamba also said they were not sure as to when the relocation process would conclude. Olivienhoutbosch resident, Oscar Vilikazi said he felt hard done by the City of Tshwane. “How could they move people from Mooiplaas into RDP houses that were meant for us,” asked Vilikazi. “They were supposed to start with the residents of this community first before giving away houses.”
Mahamba would not comment on the validity of these claims. “Our purpose is to ensure that these people are moved safely, that is an issue for the city to comment on.”
Vilikazi said he felt that the city did not care about them as all their queries went unanswered. “Whenever we call their offices in Centurion, they tell us about the system being down.”
The City of Tshwane could not be immediately reached for comment.
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