FAMILIES have been left homeless and devastated after over 100 houses were demolished in Mahobieskraal, outside Rustenburg in North West.
The houses, that were allegedly built on private land, were destroyed on Wednesday, 3 August.
Some residents slept outside, saying they have no other option. They said they were shocked because they were never served with eviction letters.
Dineo Ratsie (39) said it was painful to see her home and belongings destroyed.
She told Daily Sun she had spent over R200 000 to build her house.
“What pains me is that I was never served with a formal eviction letter. Everything that was in my house was destroyed and my kids can’t go to school because they don’t have school uniforms,” she said.
Tavern owner Tshepiso Malane said he was devastated that he lost his source of income.
“I am scared that this experience will lead me back to depression,” he said.
Tshepiso said he lost R50 000 worth of stock, equipment worth R40 000 and R400 000 he spent on the building.
“This was my source of income. I won’t be able to provide for my family anymore,” he said.
Bapolomiti Communal Property Association chairwoman Mosidi Shomang said the land belongs to their forefathers. Shomang said the Bapolomiti people are the rightful owners of the land.
“The people were served with eviction letters.
“They went as far as removing the boards that informed them that the land has private owners when they started building,” she said.
Shomang emphasised that they have titles deeds and have plans to start a township on the land. She said people forcibly invaded the land.
