APF: Eviction was illegal

2010-01-19 21:07

Pretoria - Those evicted from the Itireleng informal settlement near Laudium, west of Pretoria can go back and occupy the land, the Anti-Privatisation Forum (APF) said on Tuesday.

"Those who are able to erect shacks at portion 25 have our support," APF co-ordinator Mashao Chauke said.

He said lawyers from the Human Rights Commission would represent residents should there be an attempt to evict them again.

The forum maintained that people were evicted illegally from one section of the land owned by cement manufacturer PPC, after it obtained a court order to do so earlier this month.

"The eviction order was for portion 15 not portion 25. We will fight any attempt to evict people at portion 25. If the need arises we will apply for an urgent court interdict."

The organisation, which states on its website that it aims to "unite struggles against privatisation in the workplace and community", had found help for those evicted who have been staying in makeshift tents without water, food and blankets.

"The Red Cross has come in to assist the people."

Residents at the informal settlement were evicted on January 11, after PPC was granted the eviction order by the North Gauteng High Court.
 

- SAPA