SEBOKENG.- Young boys are happy that they have scrap to sell, while mothers are sad that their children have nowhere to call home anymore, and fathers are dejected as they do not know where to start in rebuilding their homes.

This is the current situation in Boiketlong (‘Serope sea benya’), just outside of Sebokeng.

More than a hundred families’ homes (shacks) were, and still are being destroyed, since yesterday, by what the community calls the ‘Blue Ants’, a security company hired to demolish the shacks after an eviction order was given to them on Friday, apparently giving them 48 hours to evict the place.

Residents are voicing their concerns over the lack of alternative accommodation being provided by the government, as they said, some have been staying in the area for more than 35 years.

The eviction notice, allegedly issued by the Sheriff of Westonaria, stems from a court order granted on July 21, 2021, against unlawful occupiers on the remaining extent of the Farm Quaggasfontein.

It is said that the eviction order was initially suspended for 20 months for Phase 1, but the suspension period has reportedly lapsed, leading to the current enforcement action.

This is a developing story as the councillor and Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) MMC for housing are expected to address the residents this afternoon, and more evictions are said to also be expected.

Sedibeng Ster has sent an enquiry about the evictions to Ward 36 Councillor, Mpho ‘Fish’ Kolisang, who said that he is in a meeting and will revert to Sedibeng Ster. An enquiry was also sent to ELM spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, who said that he is on leave, and referred this publication to another ELM official whom the paper is still awaiting response from.

This situation is ongoing, and Sedibeng Ster is covering the story.