The walls crumbled and fell… nothing stood in the way of the iron claw. In less than 30 minutes a whole building had turned to rubble.
A building used as a church in Extension 3 Vosman was demolished on Monday, September 22. This was the first of many illegal structures which the local municipality plans to scrape.
“We have given the people plenty of time and notice months ago,” a member of the municipality had stated on scene. Illegal buildings and houses extended without plans or authority cost the city thousands each month.
“We have to draw the line here and let it stand as warning to people building illegally.”
Some of the community members in Vosman were outraged by the destruction of the church.
“They would destroy a church? A place where we come to praise! But what about these other illegal shops and cafés? There is a dumping site here up the road, but they would rather destroy a church!” said Ms Refiloe Maisela.
More people agreed and shouted angrily as the building was demolished.
Ms Elisabeth Mokwena later alleged that part of her home was damaged during the demolition. She said that she stays just behind the church and also shared Maisela’s opinion that there are other illegal buildings in Vosman and that it was unnecessary to tear down a place of worship.
Emotions ran high as members of the community watched the church being torn down, but not all had the same opinion that it was an ‘unnecessary’ demolition.
“Why would a church build there if it is illegal? Why did they not follow legislation? Yes there are many other illegal buildings, but why should the church be excluded? It was built illegally. More wrong does not make it right,” said a member of the public, offering more insight on the matter.
An update was also sent out Monday on Mr Theo van Vuuren, the city administrator, facebook page:
“Demolishing of illegal building today in Vosman. This followed on a protracted legal process where the owners of the building failed to comply with legislation, nor were able to ratify the structure. Before the building was torn down all options were considered but, at a point the municipality need to implement a hard line and apply the laws which are there to protect the whole community.
There are thousands of illegal structures in the municipal areas and at this stage we have more than 50 cases already referred to court as all requests and instructions failed to rectify the situation. Further similar demolishes may become a more common sight in the city.”
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