Brooklyn refugees evicted and several arrested
"The only setback we have is that the date has been pushed back again, but the eviction will proceed."
Police, local CPF members and private security companies started arresting refugees and asylum-seekers on Waterkloof Road, Brooklyn, on Friday morning.
The group of 28 women, 15 men and 55 children had refused to heed a court order to vacate the area.
Because of the police operation, the following roads are closed until further notice:
– Waterkloof Road, between Veale Street and Crown Road,
– Pienaar Street, between Waterkloof Road and Main Street,
– Fehrsen Street, between Giovanetti Street and Waterkloof Road.
Residents are urged to avoid the area.
Rekord was on scene during the eviction proceedings.
The group was expected to be sent to the Lindela repatriation centre in Krugersdorp on April 19 but this was postponed to Friday due to a planning “setback”.
For more than 10 months, the refugees have been living in make-shift shelters that have become an eyesore to homeowners and businesses.
They are accused of using the pavement as a cooking space and street corners as well as shops as lavatories.
The most recent eviction order of the Pretoria high court was served on the refugees on April 13 and when they failed to heed it, they became liable for arrest.
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