The Tshwane metro police reportedly made an urgent application in the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday to block the illegal invasion of municipal land in Nellmapius, east of Pretoria.
Large groups of people converged in Nellmapius on Wednesday, demanding free land to build their own houses. Metro police fired rubber bullets to disperse about 6 000 people. The protesters retaliated by throwing stones at metro police.
Some went to Councillor Precious Marole’s house, ransacked the inside and took all the furniture. His three dogs were also beaten.
City spokesperson Blessing Manale was reported as saying the metro wanted an interdict against the Economic Freedom Fighters, said to be the organisers of Wednesday’s attempted invasion in Nellmapius.
Manale reportedly said the metro obtained an order against occupation of municipal land in April this year but that a new one was needed. The initial order interdicted anyone from unlawfully invading or occupying vacant land owned by the municipality.
Mamelodi police spokesperson Captain Johannes Maheso told Rekord on Thursday an investigation into malicious damage to property, house breaking and theft was underway.
“Everything is calm today, but police is closely monitoring the situation in the area,” said Maheso.
Tshwane metro police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba and Manale could not be reached immediately.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Also read: Metro police fire rubber bullets to disperse angry mob
