Police attacked in Soshanguve
Illegal squatters attack police as shacks are torn down.
An operation to remove illegal squatters in Soshanguve turned violent today as police were attacked and thrown with petrol bombs.
Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said an order to remove the illegal squatters was obtained and notices to vacate were served to them a week ago, but none of the squatters complied.
“Last week Wednesday the TMPD and SAPS were tasked with assisting the service provider employed by the City of Tshwane to remove the squatters in Soshanguve Extension 9. The TMPD and SAPS’ job was not to remove the squatters, but to ensure that the service provider could do their job and that they were not harmed,” said Mahamba.
“Last week Wednesday, when we went in to clear the squatters out, things were too tense and we were unable to proceed. The plan was made to then come back on Monday and proceed with the removal.”
The operation proceeded as planned on Monday, but irate residents took their frustrations out on police and threw stones at them. Some also threw petrol bombs.
“Police had to retaliate and fire rubber bullets to disperse the rioters. Fortunately, no injuries on either side have been reported,” said Mahamba.
Four people were also arrested by police; two for public violence and two for possession of petrol bombs.
Mahamba said allegations that the TMPD shot two children with rubber bullets were also being investigated.
“We have gone around the community and to hospitals. So far, no children have been reported injured.”
He said the operation formed part of the TMPD’s efforts to stamp out illegal land grabs, adding that they would continue to monitor the land and remove any illegal squatters.
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