This despite a court interdict obtained by the metro, stopping them from illegally occupying land in the area. Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane said 13 people were arrested on Saturday (2/3) for contravention of the court order.

A case was opened at Parkweg police station, and the accused are scheduled to appear in court soon.

Despite the court order, the chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Mangaung, Mzwandile Mbhele, said he did not regard the recent land occupation in Brandkop as illegal, but that Sanco will study the court interdict.

People were arrested on Saturday for the contravention of the court order. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“We believe our people have a right to access land because they have been requesting land from the municipality and from the government, but the government is taking too long. People want to move out of overcrowded areas. In some wards in Ehrlich Park, you will find families of 11 people living in a two-roomed house,” Mbhele said.

He added that Sanco approves the occupation of the land, as long as it is done without violence and chaos.

“Now we are saying to our people, they must do what they have unilaterally decided, to occupy this land. They must do it with dignity, they must do it with respect, they must not create any havoc. We don’t tolerate violence as Sanco. We also don’t want our people to be abused by authorities,” he said.

Mbhele also called on the municipality and local government to meet the desperate and destitute people and hear their plight.

The case will assist SAPS in executing their responsibilities on the site. Photo: Screengrab

The Mangaung municipality has condemned the illegal occupation of land but does not have detailed plans to provide adequate housing, water and sanitation for the informal settlers.

“A case has been opened at the Free State Department of Human Settlements. This will assist both our law enforcement team and SAPS to execute their responsibilities on site,” said Mangaung Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama. The department is responsible for delivering housing in the province.

It is believed the metro is in discussion with Sanco representatives to find a lasting solution on the matter.

OFM News