7 000 gear up to fight eviction
2003-01-06 15:37
Johannesburg - About 7 000 residents of the KwaMasiza Hostel in Sebokeng are preparing to face armed police and the so-called Red Ants attempting to enforce their eviction.
Violence erupted and a man was killed on September 11 last year when a similar attempt was made.
A residents committee met on Monday to discuss a plan of action. Committee member Mthobeli Belebawa said: "What we hear now is that they are going to evict us. We hear there will be soldiers and policemen to evict us."
Tebogo Mashoda of the Anti-Privatisation Forum said on Monday: "Electricity to the hostel was cut off on December 9, although residents say they are up to date with payments and have proof the money was paid to the landlord's agents.
Allegations have been made that the money was not forwarded to Eskom."
Resident Rebecca Radebe said: "I've been here since 1998. If they want to evict us, they have to at least give us accommodation. I've got two children, a boy and a girl. I have nowhere to go. I don't know where to go. There is no place."
Dale McKinley of the Anti-Privatisation Forum said: "A mass eviction such as is being planned here defies the constitution, which makes it clear that there can be no forced evictions until alternative accommodation is found."
- SAPA