eMBALENHLE – Land invaders has vowed not to vacate land in Extension 22 until Council gives them land.
They said the municipality claims not to have land, but “they keep giving land to business people and churches”.
They said those who want to follow the right procedure in obtaining land or RDP houses, are not taken serious and it looks as though Council prefers people invading the land.
“If the municipality wants to evict us, they must begin with the Marikana Section.
“We are tired of renting and being overcrowded in our homes.
“We need land,” said a resident.
Various age groups have invaded land, including elderly people.
A 69-year-old woman said she has been applying for an RDP house, but it has not yet been approved.
She said she knows that invading land is illegal, but she does not have a choice because she cannot afford to pay rent as her medication is expensive.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality intended to demolish the shacks on Tuesday, 22 September.
However they could not because the residents mobilised themselves to oppose the demolishing and a huge fight broke out between them and municipal workers.
The police were called to intervene and bring calm.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, said a group of residents became uncontrollable and angry.
He said on arrival they requested an eviction order from the municipal officials, but they could not produce it.
“Our duty is to make sure that law and order is maintained in our communities.
“We were there to protect both parties, Council and the residents.”
“Council did not have an order to evict the people and that was why we advised them to stop and managed to calm down the residents.
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