Hundreds of shacks and informal homes were demolished in Austin View and Rabie Ridge, in Midrand, today.

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), accompanied by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the Red Ants.

According to frustrated residents, the demolishing operation began at around 09:30.

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.

@caxtonjoburgnorth GDHS taking swift action to remove illegal land invaders around Midrand. Zero tolerance for unlawful activities! #JusticePrevails ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Resident 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. 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.”

GDHS head of communication 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.”