Following reports of a child fatality during the Zandspruit evictions, Ward 114 councillor Maureen Schneeman has provided her comment.
“I heard about the baby that died but I don’t know what happened. I told them to go and report the matter to the police and the police will investigate,” Schneeman said.
The six-month old baby died at DR Yusuf Dadoo hospital in Krugersdorp, after allegedly sustaining injuries when Red Ants demolished a shack while the baby and mother were inside.
Schneeman said residents who had illegally occupied private-owned had been warned before the eviction operation took place, this in contrast to what the residents reported.
“That’s private property. They’ve been warned that they are not allowed to put shacks there but they have been moving in for three months. They were told they would be evicted and to please go back where they come from – they are from Zandspruit.”
According to Schneeman, the eviction operation was left for too long and should’ve been executed around May already.
“I think it’s the worst day to evict people,” said Schneeman, in reference to the cold weather conditions on Tuesday (8 July), when the operation started.
Schneeman said she referred the evicted residents to a pastor of a local church for alternative accommodation, but according to Economic Freedom Fighters member Lucia Mamburu, their attempts to seek such shelter were unsuccessful.
Schneeman informed that North Point Church will be providing the evicted residents with extra blankets today.
UPDATE- 1.38pm, 7 July
Residents in Zandspruit are adamant that they not told about the impending evictions, contrary to what the Councillor has said. One man says he feels betrayed by Councillor Schneeman.
