MORE than 500 shacks were demolished yesterday by the Red Ants in Lanseria squatter camp, outside Joburg.
Residents watched in despair as their shacks were reduced to rubble.
After the shacks were demolished, more than 10 families went through the ruins to gather what was left of their belongings.
Resident Peter Mgoetjana told the People’s Paper the Red Ants came in large numbers yesterday morning and told them to move out.
He said some people had been living in the squatter camp for more than 20 years and were heartbroken to be homeless.
“We were never given any notice of eviction. We just saw trucks coming for our shacks,” said Peter.
“They damaged our furniture. I wish we’d at least been given notice.
“I would have made a plan to see where my wife and three kids would sleep tonight.”
Another resident, Maudy Ndlovu (38), said some matric pupils missed their exams because of the chaos.
“We are not happy with the treatment we received today. Where must we go?” she said.
Red Ants CEO Johan Bosch told Daily Sun: “A court order was given for the eviction.
“The residents occupied the land illegally and our members will stay on high alert until the matter is resolved in court.”
Yesterday’s incident follows hot on the heels of an eviction at Tjovitjo squatter camp near the N1 north and Golden Highway in the Vaal.
There, residents refused to be evicted by Metro cops and went on to protest on the Golden Highway, just outside Orange Farm, south of Joburg.
They also torched four trucks.
Orange Farm cop spokesman Captain Johannes Motsiri said no one was arrested.
He said: “Cases of public violence and malicious damage to property are being investigated.”
