UPDATE: Midrand’s new squatter camp causes concern

Update, 1 December 2016, 1.55pm

An illegal squatter camp that emerged opposite the N1 highway near Olifantsfontein Road in Midrand has been destroyed.

Residents were very vocal on social media groups about their concerns regarding the squatter camp. However, Metro police visited the site earlier today (1 December) at about 11am and demolished all the shacks and burned all the rubbish on the site. Metro police Inspector Nishal Singh confirmed that they had visited the squatter camp and were dealing with the matter to try and resolve it.

Ward 112 councillor Madeleine Hicklin also confirmed that Metro police were clearing the site and she hoped there would not be any similar incidents in the future.

Initial Report, 1 December 2016, 8am

An informal squatter camp situated opposite the N1 highway near Olifantsfontein Road in Midrand was removed as quickly as it was established.

After being alerted to the situation, Ward 112 councillor Madeleine Hicklin alerted Metro police officers and requested that they urgently investigate the matter. Inspector Nishal Singh of Metro police said, “Myself and my team visited the squatter camp on 17 November and found old clothes and recyclable materials, which are suspected to belong to waste pickers and construction workers working in Midrand.”

He said the site was cleared and the people were told to move away from the area, which they did without protest. “Residents have been very vocal on local community WhatsApp groups about their concern and disapproval of the squatter camp and its future on the unoccupied land.

“We hope that the dwellers did not return to the land after we left, but we will continue to monitor the developments that happen there.”

Details: Metro police 011 490 1740.

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