Residents protest after being evicted
GUGULETHU backyarders illegally occupying vacant land are threatening to cause more disruptions after their homes were demolished by authorities.
Violence flared in Gugulethu when about 20 structures in the illegally occupied land were demolished by law enforcement authorities yesterday.
The City’s safety and security executive director, Richard Bosman, confirmed road closures in Steve Biko Road between Klipfontein Road and NY132 due to tyres burningd.
A car was also set alight by a mob of angry protesters in Gasela Street, commonly known as NY112.
The protest action follows a calm, which lasted for about a week, due to ongoing negotiations between mayor Patricia de Lille, the land owners and backyarders.
A backyarder, Noshumi Noji, who is among those whose home was destroyed, said the community was shocked by the forceful evictions.
“We had an agreement with the mayor. We told her we would remain on this land until she comes with an update on land purchase in our upcoming meeting on Thursday.
“We do not understand why they are evicting us when we made it clear to her.”
Noji said she was a backyarder at her parents house with her six siblings. She said in total they were 25 family members living in one yard.
“I can’t afford to buy my own house or rent. That is why I moved here and took my furniture with (me). But that was all destroyed by authorities.”
Another backyarder, only known to the Cape Argus as Lizeka, said police and law enforcement officers fired rubber bullets at residents.
“We are literally like homeless people. We were waiting for feedback on Thursday. This is (a) betrayal.
“They are pushing us to take this to the streets and damage things.”
Bosman confirmed that the City’s law enforcement anti-land invasion unit was deployed to the area and was performing a supporting role along with SAPS leading the operation.
However, police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana referred the Cape Argus back to the City.
De Lille’s spokesperson, Xolani Koyana, said the City had to take action before the land was occupied.