People being evicted from Marikana informal settlement near Centurion Gautrain station, have set their own property on fire in defiance.

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Deputy-Chief Charles Mabaso says reports of a fire with a large plume of smoke were received from 09:30.

He explains the individuals were being evicted, and decided to set fire to their belongings in West Street, Centurion in Gauteng.

“Firefighters were called in upon receiving reports that there was smoke and fire seen in the area. When we arrived on the scene we found a contingent of police and private security on the scene.”

He says the situation is under control.

“It is alleged that the people that are being evicted were burning their belongings,” adds Mabaso.

“Nothing is in danger, but emergency services are standing by at the request of the SAPS on the scene.”

#CenturionFire didn’t know there’s squatter camps in Centurion… pic.twitter.com/DU9Mv4nLpC

— _TK  (@Lawd_Tk) May 23, 2023

Hugo Erasmus, the chairperson of the Lyttelton sector 1 CPF, says the sheriff’s office would be executing an eviction order.

“The ejection order does not make provision for relocation, and assistance is requested from everyone to report illegal invasion after the ejection, onto surrounding private and/or council land.”

Erasmus urges residents to report any land invasion to SAPS on 10111 or the joint operation centre on 0861 571 911.

Ward councillor David Farquharson adds that the eviction was necessary.

“Unfortunately, investment opportunities are scared away when people are not confident that their property will be protected. This is a painfully slow process, but I am hopeful that this is a good beginning.”

He explains this was a second eviction from the informal settlement, and that other areas, such as the informal settlement near Sportspark, Prasa station are receiving attention.