Squatters have to vacate land or face eviction
The group of homeless people living in camping tents on Main Reef Road will have to pack up soon as they are at high risk of being forcibly evicted.
According to ‘squatters’, a council official has on Wednesday, July 16, told them that they will soon be evicted from the camp.
“She didn’t tell us when, but she confirmed that the metro is currently making plans to evict us,” says Lydia Morrison, a resident.
The residents are now asking where they should go.
“To us this is the only place we call home. Where are we supposed to go? They should not rush to evict us before providing us with alternative accommodation.”
After the plight of the poor homeless people appeared in the Advertiser, scores of people have made donations.
“People from across Boksburg visited us and donated bags and boxes full of blankets, clothes, food and other necessities.”
When the Advertiser visited the place on Thursday morning, July 17, there was a large pile of donations in bags for the squatters.
Other individuals contacted this paper and promised that they will on Friday, July 18, donate more items as part of Mandela Day.
The ‘squatters’ are calling on government, business people and individuals to assist them with a place to put up their camping tents.
A claim has also surfaced that the ‘squatters’ were offered assistance at New Beginnings but they blatantly refused.
Spokesperson for the metro, Themba Gadebe, confirmed that the metro wants the squatters to vacate the land, adding that notices will be served on all of the above occupants, as well as three illegal occupants of the building at 39 Market Street, Boksburg.
He mentioned that in the interim, relevant council officials are assisting them to find alternative shelter.
He, however, stated that should these illegal occupants not vacate the said premises, then legal action will be instituted to have them evicted.
“It is confirmed that there are six tents on the vacant land along Cason Road, Boksburg North, all of which are occupied by nine people.
“They became destitute due to unemployment and being unable to afford rental accommodation due to poverty.”
Gadebe said a range of measures will be adopted to prevent the squatters from reoccupying the vacant land and building in question.
These will include intensifying patrols and enforcement in open areas and vacant buildings in and around the CBD. – @FanieBoksburg
