The MEC says he suspects there is a syndicate that somehow sold stands to people.
There will be evictions during the lockdown period, according to Gauteng cooperative governance MEC Lebogang Maile who, during a briefing, stressed that the order did not provide a platform for land invasions.
At a briefing to specifically tackle the issue of land invasions that have, according to the MEC, spiralled out of control and thus undermined the developmental agenda of the city, Maile said a comprehensive strategy involving all spheres of government was in place to deal with illegal land invasions.
“We have put a moratorium on all evictions during lockdown but we will not tolerate any opportunistic illegality.”
Maile clarified that the Red Ants, which were instructed to demolish make-shift structures, were doing so under the instruction of the city.
Most of the demolished structures around the city were empty structures, he said.
Maile suspects that there was a syndicate which somehow sold stands to people, which has resulted in people building during the national COVID-19 lockdown.
“This is done by well-organized syndicates taking advantage of genuine housing concerns of communities to illegally occupy land and portray the government as not caring for the people of Gauteng.
“We did, however, take a principled stance that we will not tolerate any opportunistic illegality and as such we will unleash the full might of the law against those who want to invade land illegally during this crisis.”
In other news – Shauwn Mkhize nails the Pillow Challenge – Pictures
After a range of individuals who have participated in the #pilowchallenge, don’t quickly rush to conclude the outstanding person who nailed it than everyone, until you see Mamkhize aka Shauwn Mkhize.
She has also decided to take part in some of the fun – taking on the Pillow Challenge. The reality show star, got creative while social distancing at home on Wednesday, transforming her bedding into a fashionable outfit in the style of social media’s latest viral trend. continue reading
Source: The Citizen