People being evicted from Marikana informal settlement near Centurion Gautrain station, have set their own property on fire in defiance.
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson, Deputy-Chief Charles Mabaso said reports of a fire with a large plume of smoke started to come in at 09:30 on Tuesday, May 23.
He said the individuals were being evicted set fire to their belongings in West Street, Centurion.
“Firefighters were called in upon receiving reports that there was smoke and fire seen in the area.
“When we arrived on the scene we found a contingent of police and private security on the scene.”
He said the situation was now under control.
“It is alleged that the people that are being evicted were burning their belongings,” said Mabaso.
“The fire is under control. Nothing is in danger, but emergency services are standing by at the request of the SAPS on the scene.”
#CenturionFire didn’t know there’s squatter camps in Centurion… pic.twitter.com/DU9Mv4nLpC
— _TK (@Lawd_Tk) May 23, 2023
Hugo Erasmus, chairperson of the Lyttelton sector 1 CPF, said that the sheriff’s office would be executing an eviction order.
“The ejection order does not make provision for relocation, and assistance is requested from everyone to report illegal invasion after the ejection, onto surrounding private and/or council land.”
Erasmus urged residents to report any land invasion to SAPS on 10111 or the joint operation centre (JOC) on 0861 571 911.
He also advised motorists to avoid the area.
Ward councillor David Farquharson said the eviction was necessary.
“Unfortunately, investment opportunities are scared away when people are not confident that their property will be protected.
“This is a painfully slow process, but I am hopeful that this is a good beginning.”
He said this was a second eviction from the informal settlement, and that other areas, such as the informal settlement near Sportspark, Prasa station were receiving attention.
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