VEREENIGING.- Enraged Rust-ter-Vaal community members barricaded the R82 in protest against the invasive mushrooming of an illegal squatter camp nearby last Friday.

The community argues that their property values are being negatively impacted by the invasion. The illegal squatters on the other hand say that they cannot merge with tenants in yards as they cannot afford the high rent charged by landlords. The community members from the old area nearby insists that they are not racist, as claimed by the squatters, in wanting the illegal squatter camp gone.

“We do not want our area to lose its meaning of being ‘rustig’,” they say.

They also argue that the influx of illegal squatters will increase crime rates in their area. Eric Lewak, a community member, says residents claim that many squatters are not local. They point out that the squatters are from as far as Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State and Lesotho. In less than a month since the illegal invasion, serious crimes have been reported.

Lewak said at least one rape case was reported, a stolen car was discovered by the police and one wanted suspect arrested.

Lewak insists that the local municipality has not reacted to their concerns.

The Public Order Police Service (POPS), Vereeniging SAPS and Emfuleni Local Municipality officials calmed down the residents.

The protest was suspended until further discussion based on a court order to evict the landgrabbers.

The Sheriff will engage with the squatters. The community will also be engaged for be engaged for further discussion.