LAST week, one of the most upmarket areas in Tshwane looked like a squatter camp.
The streets of Waterkloof had washing hanging on fences, temporary tents, bucket toilets and refugees moving up and down the road.
Yesterday, blooming jacaranda trees, neatly cut lawns and security guards stood outside office gates and homes.
On Friday, police descended on refugees who had set up camp outside the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Police spokeswoman Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said social development department took in the women and kids.
“Home Affairs officials have started the verification process to see if the people are refugees,” she said.
Peters said 24 cops were hurt and six were admitted to hospital after being attacked with buckets and other objects, including weapons.
“Water cannons were deployed and police were able to apply tactics that ultimately ensured minimum injuries,” she said.
Refugees had been living on the pavements outside the commission offices for almost a month.
On Wednesday, the North Gauteng High Court ordered that the refugees leave the premises within three days.
Peters said all refugees were removed and 182 men and one woman were taken into custody.
