The EMPD cracked down on more illegal structures at the Never Never informal settlement last Wednesday morning.
According to resident Charles Links, the EMPD came in and started burning down shacks without speaking to any of the residents.Some shacks were still alight when the Addie arrived on the scene.
This is the second time the EMPD has destroyed shacks in the settlement in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, the metro police deployed its Land Invasion Unit to destroy and remove illegal shacks.
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According to ward councillor Thulani Simelane, the owner of the land was concerned about the rapid expansion of shacks being erected on the land since lockdown started and requested they be removed.
Residents of the informal settlement are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication from both the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD.
“We hear nothing from our ward councillor (Simelane).
“He never comes here to speak to us and when the EMPD comes to destroy our homes, they don’t tell us why,” says resident Fareda Koetaan.
According to Simelane, residents have been warned multiple times about the removals.
“I was there before lockdown and told them not to build more shacks, but then the shacks started to mushroom and the owner asked for a court order,” he says.
Residents feel they are being treated unfairly and will be taking the matter to court in the coming weeks.
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Three shacks burned down in Never Never
“The last time they did this, all we wanted was to have a discussion with them and for them to explain why we have to go through this.
“Now we are fed up and we will fight back no matter the cost,” says Koetaan.
The owner of the land was not available for comment.
Comment has been requested from the municipality and will be published once received.
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