Central SA
Bloemfontein land grab: Eviction political triumph or human tragedy?─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 16:08 Fri, 08 Mar 2024
“Free State residents must not allow the anarchy displayed during these land grabs to become (the norm).”
As political parties in the Free State celebrate the successful eviction of land invaders in Lourierpark, the aftermath tells a different story of distress and despair for those left displaced and without recourse.
People are left distressed and in despair. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
In the early hours of Firday (8/3) morning, Red Ants and police were deployed to evict illegal land occupiers from the area named Mountain View by invaders. The recent eviction carried out with the assistance of the notorious Red Ants, has left these families in disarray, with what they would call their new homes now destroyed and their possessions scattered.
Mangaung spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, explained the court order granted to the municipality compelled the city, sheriff of the court, and SAPS to demolish only incomplete and unoccupied structures.
DA Ward 18 Councillor,Dave McKay welcomed the action to remove illegal land occupiers and said the action taken was solely because of the urgent application submitted by the party in the Bloemfontein High Court.
They called the place Mountain View. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
“Free State residents must not allow the anarchy displayed during these land grabs to become standard. While the matter is not yet resolved, affected property owners and residents can stand assured that DA will use the court-ordered oversight of the process to ensure their rights and law are upheld,” he said.
The FF Plus said it was agreed in court the municipality must provide biweekly feedback to the DA and FF Plus on the progress made in respect of the implementation of the court order which includes the removal of illegal occupiers and preventing new occupations.
The FF Plus said it would closely monitor the process to ensure the crisis is resolved. While parties vie for credit for commendation for restoring order in Lourierpark, the plight of those affected by eviction is dire. The lack of a clear plan or assistance from the government adds to the uncertainty of displaced families.
