Over 100 houses were demolished, with about 96 residents who currently live in an open area, declared homeless after the eviction operations.
The provincial office of the Human Rights Commission, in Mpumalanga, gave Emalahleni Local Municipality two days to respond to an urgent email regarding the “complaints relating to eviction operations without a court order.”
In a letter seen by the WITBANK NEWS, the commission indicated that the assessed complaint, the affected resident’s right to have access to housing, particularly their right not be evicted without a court order enshrined in section 26(3) of the constitution were “prima facie violation.”
“Given the urgency of the matter and the level 3 lockdown COVID-19 regulations on evictions, please let us have your response to the above allegations at your nearest convenience and in any event by no later than 24 June 2020,” the letter reads.
Over 100 houses were demolished, with about 96 residents who currently live in an open area declared homeless after the eviction operations.
Branch leader of the settlement from the South African National Civic Organization (SANCO), Mr Sbusiso Ndlovu said he was pleased by the response of the commission.
“As SANCO leadership from Ward 23, we are pleased by the information from the SARHC to investigate the matter in Empumelelweni. It is high time that people take accountability for their actions, human dignity as enshrined in the constitution has been compromised, people have been greatly exposed to COVID-19 by this whole situation and lastly, we will be happy if the municipality can engage SANCO about the land to be allocated and other matters alike to avoid similar occurrences,” said Ndlovu.
Reprinted from Witbank News – 2020-06-30
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*Simon Dippenaar & Associates, Inc. is a firm of specialist eviction lawyers, based in Cape Town and now operating in Johannesburg and Durban, helping both landlords and tenants with the eviction process. Contact one of our attorneys on 086 099 5146 or sdippenaar@sdlaw.co.za if you need advice on the eviction process or want to know the cost of eviction.
