MMC blames land transfer and demolition for fatal Diepkloof protest

MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, clarified what led to the violent protest at Diepkloof Hostel on May 19, saying the demolition of one block and alleged land sale sparked the demonstrations.

According to Mabaso, the root issue stems from residents being unaware that a portion of the hostel is privately owned while the other side belongs to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).

Mabaso explained the 2023 land transfer to a private entity seemed illegal and lacked council approval. He assured the CoJ would investigate who authorised the sale without the council’s knowledge.

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Regarding the demolished block, Mabaso stated the building used to be dilapidated and slated for redevelopment.

The CoJ relocated residents to flats, and they will return upon completion of the renovation of their block.

Mabaso also mentioned he held a meeting with the community later that afternoon, where he provided updates. He planned another meeting for the last week of June.

The violent protest at Diepkloof Hostel on May 19 turned tragic when a delivery truck, attempting to navigate traffic congestion caused by the unrest, struck two people, killing one man on the scene and critically injuring a woman.

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Eyewitness Sanele Msibi recounted the terrifying moment, highlighting the chaos as residents scattered.

The truck, delivering tinned fish, also crashed into an electric pole, plunging parts of the area into darkness.

In a separate but related incident, a vehicle knocked another person down on the freeway and died upon arrival at the hospital.