On Sunday, Kraaifontein residents took to the streets after City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officials demolished several homes in the area that were allegedly illegally built on privately owned land.
Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason confirmed the protest, saying, “Protest action is currently taking place in the vicinity of the Old Paarl Road in Kraaifontein. Law Enforcement is on the scene.” According to Dyason, there were 80 officers on the scene and approximately 1000 protesters burning tyres.
Community activist Linda Phito reportedly said people started building shacks on the piece of land a few weeks ago. “Since it’s COVID-19 people are not working. People are backyard dwellers, which means backyarders. The landlord still wants money. Those people now see the opportunity to build their homes on the land.”
Phito said residents were outraged that the structures were torn down, adding that some residents were injured in running battles with police.
Over the past few weeks, many violent protests have erupted in areas including Delft, Mfuleni, Khayelitsha and Kalkfontein, all are reportedly related to land occupations.
