Yeoville police said that during evictions the only role they played was to ensure effective law and order took place.
This, according to police spokesperson, Captain Sipho Mabizela, who was commenting on the recent evictions that took place in the area where occupants of a building were evicted by the Red Ants.
The occupants were evicted by the sheriff of the court under instructions of a high court decision handed down against the occupiers of certain properties around Yeoville, said Mabizela.
“It should be clear that police do not go there to support any party of the alleged illegal occupation nor do they go there to advance interests of any party,” said Mabizela.
“When you see the police during the last phase of eviction, which is ejectment, they are only there to ensure no crime takes place in the process like malicious damage to property, theft and assault or any other crime.”
In terms of a court order, if you are being evicted and continue to occupy the building, it is contempt of court, said Mabizela, and you will be charged with trespassing which comes with a criminal record.
“At Yeoville Police Station we are committed to enforcing the law and in most of the evictions that take place, we ensure that the sheriff is present.
“We also verify the eviction court order through our provincial legal services then deploy our police officers to… [ensure] peace during a legal eviction.”
Mabizela added that according to the law, no one was allowed to evict anyone at night, in rainy conditions and without a valid court order.
Details: Yeoville Police Station 01 1487 5900.
Read: Human rights need to come first in evictions
Share with us on our Facebook page about your experience of being evicted, was it lawful or not.
