This follows the eviction and the demolition of more than 100 structures of residents amidst the level 3 lockdown at an informal settlement in Jacaranda near Manzil Park in Klerksdorp on Monday. 

The municipal director of Housing and Human Settlements, Boganne Choche, says residents should exercise caution and not invade council-owned land, and should observe the correct procedures to obtain access to land for development purposes. The eviction by the municipality had been met with fierce criticism from residents and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who accused the municipality of disregarding residents' human rights. 

The eviction of residents took place despite a 2017 Constitutional Court judgment that judges have an obligation to ensure that evictions will not leave people homeless.

“The Sheriff of the Court, through the support, protection and escort of the South African Police Services, undertook the demolitions of these illegal structures that had invaded the land at Extension 11, along the R503 road to Hartbeesfontein on Monday 18 January 2021. Prior to this, the City of Matlosana had obtained a court order barring the illegal invasion and/or occupation of the land in question,” Choche adds.

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