THEY had asked for a piece of land to build their shacks on, but nothing happened.
So when they spotted vacant land they went for it!
But the people who live in brick houses nearby would have none of it and came out in large numbers to demolish the shacks.
The drama unfolded on Wednesday in Alexandra’s Eastbank, northern Joburg.
Tempers flared and Joburg Metro Police had to be called in to separate the two groups.
The cops chased away those residents who tried to build shacks.
Resident Phuti Mashile (36) claimed the group had every right to erect shacks on open land.
“This is South Africa.
“We decided to build on South African soil, but we are being denied our rights by Metro Cops and those who live in proper houses,” he said.
He said it was not right for residents who live in houses to destroy the shacks just because the shacks’ builders did not own the land: “The land belongs to government.”
Phuti slammed the Metro Police, claiming the cops ordered them to leave or be shot.
Lebohang Mthembu (41) said they were tired of living in rented shacks.
“We are not fighting with anybody.
“We would just like to have places of our own,” said Lebohang.
Joburg Metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said officers responded to the situation.
He said: “No casualties were reported and police will continue to monitor the area.”