Evicted Ward 97 residents take their anger to the streets
HONEYDEW RIDGE – Evicted Ward 97 residents take their anger to the streets. Meanwhile the councillor has been notified about another eviction
A group of displaced residents in Ward 97 have taken their anger to the streets after waiting for Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott, who had promised them a way forward regarding the eviction crisis on 15 March.
The residents lost their homes on Plot 16 after they were evicted by the Red Ants on 14 March.
More than 250 residents suffered the massive blow which left them having to sleep on the bulldozed rubble.
A resident and secretary of the Young Communist League of South Africa, Thebe Sebelebele criticised Knott for dragging her heels in finding a solution.
“Knott’s behaviour to this situation is extremely disappointing because people have been waiting for her since the morning,” he said.
Knott disputed the statement, saying that she has been liaising with leadership from the plot while waiting for the judge’s decision on the eviction saga.
Patricia Mofokeng, chairperson of Ekemeleng, a community forum at the plot, said she fears that other informal dwellers occupying nearby plots will be evicted as well.
“This is frustrating because residents on plots 12, 13 and 72 are next on the eviction list,” she said.
When asked about more evictions, Knott confirmed that she had been notified about another eviction in the same vicinity.
“There is another eviction notice dated 8 March, for Plot 72 in Wilgespruit, which I only got from the residents this week,” said Knott, adding that the matter has gone to the housing and legal departments for assessment.
So far, Knott has suggested the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium be used as temporary accommodation in the meantime.
RELATED STORY: The aftermath after the Red Ants demolish houses in Honeydew Ridge informal settlement
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