RESIDENTS of Nellmapius Heatherly Flats in Tshwane claim that they were forcibly removed from their units by a gang demanding money.
They said since they occupied the property almost four years ago, they've been living in peace until they were told that those who are not originally from Gauteng need to pay tjotjo to secure their stay.
One of the complainants, a 39-year-old man from Limpopo whose identity is known to Daily Sun, said he was told to pop out R7 000 and when he failed to do so, he was then threatened with violence until he had to run for his life.
He told Daily Sun that his unit was broken into by the thugs and some of the furniture was stolen.
“Things started going sour last year in October, and on 3 January, the same guys started harassing and threatened me with violence. I had no choice but to run away. I have no place to stay currently, and life is now difficult for me,” he said.
Another complainant said at first it was about people who were not from Gauteng, but then it later affected everyone.
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“I come from Mamelodi but I was shocked they came for me with the same demands. They once organised a meeting where we were told that we should pop out R500 every month and when they noticed that no one was prepared to do so, they then started harassing us,” he said.
Ward 15 councillor Grace Selaule said those who are extorting money from people are trampling on a court order that stipulates that legal representatives of Tshwane Human Settlements and the residents should come up with a solution to resolve the matter.
She said there are families in need of accommodation, including people living with disabilities and kids who are going to school and that maybe law enforcement should intervene.
Spokesman for the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Tahir Sema said the department is aware of the situation at its Nellmapius Heatherly Flats which are meant to be affordable rental housing accommodation.
She said they encourage communities to report the illegal occupation of land and houses to local law enforcement.
"These unlawful acts delay much needed development and the provision of services meant for communities. We are working closely with the courts, developers, and police to execute eviction orders against these illegal acts of land and house invasions,” Sema said.
The public can also report land and house invasions, the illegal sale of land or suspicious housing forms, posters, and corruption to 0800701701 or email: [email protected].
