Following the invasion of unoccupied land in Unaville, I have established an independent task team which will investigate allegations of political interference behind recent illegal invasions within the City.
A Court order was obtained on 27 July 2017 for the demolition of unoccupied illegal structures in Unaville. This past week, the Sheriff of the Court attempted to enforce this court order.
Sadly, in executing the order, a number of persons were harmed or injured through the alleged action taken by the Red Ants, who were contracted by the Sheriff.
Two people also lost their lives on the day. The circumstances around these unfortunate deaths are currently the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Services.
The City, through its Department of Social Development, is assisting the bereaved families with funeral arrangements.
A task team has been established under General Sibiya in Group Forensic Investigation Department, which is independent of both my office and the office of the City Manager.
The team will thus have independence to conduct a full investigation.
Earlier this week, I instructed the City’s new Head of Group Legal, Mr Isaac Mogashoa, to advise on the complete terms of reference for this task team as a matter of urgency.
These terms of reference are as follows:
The task team will be led by General Sibiya of the Group Forensic Department.
It is required to investigate the following:
- The identity of the person or persons behind the spate of illegal land invasions across the City, and especially in regard to the invasion of the properties at Unaville;
- Whether the Red Ants contracted by the Sheriff to execute the court order on 22 September 2017 used excessive force resulting in injury and/or death to persons who were found to be on the properties at the relevant time;
- The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of two persons on the day of the demolition;
- The acts and/or omissions of relevant departments in the City from the time that the City became aware of the land invasion in Unaville to the date of the execution of the court order by the Sheriff on 22 September 2017;
- Whether there was any illegal sale of stands/land in Unaville which resulted in the illegal land invasions;
- Whether there is any alternative to the utilization of the Red Ants in the demolition/eviction process; and
- Upon completion of the investigation the task team must provide the City with a written report of its findings not later than 30 November 2017.
I have also instructed that the city suspends any and all pending eviction orders unless approved by myself.
To begin addressing our City’s desperate need for housing, we have allocated R66 million towards our shift to progressively focusing on the Site and Service approach to housing development. This involves the provision of fully serviced plots of land, onto which beneficiaries can be settled.
As part of this, land in Unaville, which was subject to the recent court order, Lawley and Ennerdale will serve as primary pilot sites for this project; a first for the City of Joburg.
As a City, we remain committed to building a Johannesburg where affordable housing is available for all.