Metro flattens churches built on unoccupied land
Pastors to open a case of damage to property
Ekurhuleni pastors watched helplessly as scores of metro police demolished about 12 churche structures in Palm Ridge, near Katlehong, east of Johannesburg at the weekend.
The move is part of clean-up operations by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) to destroy churches built illegally on unoccupied land.
The operation, which started last week, has so far resulted in the demolition of a total of 22 churches in Thokoza, Palm Ridge and Greenfield.
Christian Consultative Alliance spokesman pastor Buyile William Mngqikana said they were concerned about the metro police’s action, noting they did not follow proper procedure.
“There has been no proper communication or a written warning from the municipality,” said Mngqikana.
“Most of these churches have been here for over 10 years. All our hard work and donations have gone down the drain as they ruined our furniture and building material.”
Mngqikana said they were aware the churches had been built on land occupied illegally, but said the municipality should have first served them with the written notices. “We will open a case against the municipality so as to be compensated for the confiscated and damaged property.”
EMPD spokesman Kobeli Mokheseng said the churches broke the law.
“The pastors were first given verbal notices to evacuate, and then later written notices were served on them,” said Mokheseng.
“However, they did not give heed to the warnings, resulting in metro police left with no other option but to enforce the law.
“People must understand that you cannot just identify an empty space and assume it’s right to use it for whatever reason you see applicable to yourself.”