WATCH: City of Johannesburg and Gauteng Department of Human Settlements crack down on illegal land occupation
City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements evict land invaders.
Hundreds of shacks created with metal sheeting and informal homes were demolished in Austin View and Rabie Ridge on April 5.
The structures were built on an open veld on the corner of Modderfontein and Dale roads.
The operation was conducted by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlement (GDHS) together with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the Red Ants.
Some frustrated residents said this demolishing operation began around 09:30 when the authorities arrived.
They said the authorities informed them that only shacks that were not occupied would be taken down, but to their surprise, some of those that were occupied were also removed.
Gladwin Lebelo said they were not given a notice of demolition.
“It’s sad that we were not even informed or given notice about this. I watch and I can cry right now because what is happening here hurts a lot. We are disappointed in our government.”
Another resident, Andisiwe Jonas, added, “We stay here because we do not work. We cannot afford to pay rent, which is why we opted to come stay here. Now we have nowhere to sleep and we stay with the kids who went to school now. The least they could have done, was to give us notice so that we can prepare ourselves.”
Head of communication for the GDHS, Tahir Sema said, “The public is urged to refrain from engaging in illegal land invasions as it not only puts them at risk of losing their investments but also delays much-needed development and service provision for communities.”
Watch:
@caxtonjoburgnorth GDHS taking swift action to remove illegal land invaders around Midrand. Zero tolerance for unlawful activities! #JusticePrevails
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