WATCH: Shacks torn down, invaders removed – Sheffield
Although the squatters, some of whom stayed in tents, were given eviction notices two weeks ago, many refused to leave saying they had nowhere else to go.
About 50 illegally built shacks were demolished in Sheffield this morning while ‘invaders’ were removed.
Umhlali SAPS, KwaDukuza municipality (KDM), and private security companies came out in full force to tear down the structures which were built on municipal-owned land opposite the Sheffield Manor flats, along the road leading to Flag Farm.
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More than 70 squatters have been occupying this land for the past year despite numerous attempts from authorities to have them removed.
While some people claimed to have bought plots for R300-R650 from community leaders in Etete, others said they had occupied the land out of desperation.
Although the invaders, some of whom stayed in tents, were given eviction notices two weeks ago – many refused to leave saying they had nowhere to go.
Watching while his furniture was removed from his home of over six months, Sandile Dlamini told the Courier this was the second time the houses had been demolished.
He vowed to rebuild.
“We need land because renting is too expensive. We need a place. We are suffering.”
KDM media liaison Sipho Mkhize, said the municipality would continue demolishing the structures.
“We have a problem where vacant land is being sold and that cannot be the case.
“We did issue eviction notices and unfortunately, the community did not comply.
“If they rebuild then we will have to demolish again until they stop.”
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